CVE-2024-8016 CRITICAL

CVE-2024-8016: The Events Calendar Pro <= 7.0.2 - Authenticated (Administrator+) PHP Object Injection to Remote Code Execution

Vendor Theeventscalendar
Product The Events Calendar Pro
Weakness CWE-502 · Unsafe deserialization
Published August 30, 2024
Last update April 8, 2026

CVSS base score

9.1/10
Attack vector Network
Attack complexity Low
Privileges required High
User interaction None
Confidentiality High
Integrity High

CVSS vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

What the vulnerability does

01Description

The Events Calendar Pro plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to PHP Object Injection in all versions up to, and including, 7.0.2 via deserialization of untrusted input from the 'filters' parameter in widgets. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with administrator-level access and above, to inject a PHP Object. The additional presence of a POP chain allows attackers to execute code remotely. In certain configurations, this can be exploitable by lower level users. We confirmed that this plugin installed with Elementor makes it possible for users with contributor-level access and above to exploit this issue.

Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms

02Summary

The Events Calendar Pro versions up to 7.0.2 contain a deserialization vulnerability in how they process untrusted data. An authenticated administrator can craft malicious input that causes the plugin to deserialize and execute arbitrary code on the site. This requires high-level admin access but can lead to complete site compromise, including data theft and malware installation.

What an attacker can do

03Attacker Capabilities

Run arbitrary code on the site with full administrative privileges.

Potential impact on your site

04Site Impact

A compromised admin account can install malware, steal data, or take the site offline.

Conditions required to exploit

05Prerequisites

Attacker must have administrator-level access to the WordPress site.

Key dates

06Disclosure timeline

August 30, 2024 CVE published
April 8, 2026 Record updated

Related vulnerabilities

08Related CVE