Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
Autoptimize for WordPress before 2.7.8 could leave PHP files on disk when importing a crafted settings ZIP. If that file becomes executable by the web server, the issue can lead to remote code execution. No CVSS score or active exploitation evidence is provided in the bundle.
Executive priority
Treat as high priority for WordPress sites using Autoptimize, because successful exploitation may allow server-side code execution. Prioritize internet-facing and business-critical WordPress properties first.
Technical view
The plugin tried to remove malicious files after extracting an uploaded archive, but did not inspect extracted folders. A PHP file placed inside a directory could survive extraction cleanup, bypassing CVE-2020-24948 protections and enabling arbitrary file upload with potential RCE.
Likely exposure
Exposure is likely limited to WordPress installations running Autoptimize before 2.7.8 where the Import Settings function is reachable. The provided affected metadata is sparse and inconsistently lists 2.7.8, while the description says versions before 2.7.8.
Exploitation context
The bundle states this can achieve remote code execution through a crafted settings archive. It does not provide evidence of active exploitation, and KEV is false in the supplied data.
Researcher notes
The key weakness is CWE-434: unrestricted upload of dangerous file types. Source detail indicates cleanup occurred after extraction and missed nested PHP files. Authentication requirements, CVSS, and exploit-in-the-wild evidence are not established in the supplied bundle.
Mitigation direction
- Update Autoptimize to version 2.7.8 or later.
- Review vendor guidance and WPScan details for any additional remediation.
- Restrict access to plugin settings import functionality.
- Check web-accessible upload or cache paths for unexpected PHP files.
Validation and detection
- Inventory WordPress sites using the Autoptimize plugin.
- Confirm the installed Autoptimize version is 2.7.8 or later.
- Review logs for suspicious settings import activity.
- Inspect plugin-related directories for unexpected executable files.
Public sources used
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.
ATT&CK lookup starting points
Use these exact CWE pages and searches to review the Glexia ATT&CK library from this CVE's weakness and description context.
CWE-434: File access and web shell behavior lookup
File traversal and upload weaknesses can lead teams to review file, web shell, execution, and collection telemetry. Open the exact CWE lookup page first, then review the ATT&CK searches from that MITRE weakness context. This is a Glexia lookup hint, not an official ATT&CK mapping.
Open ATT&CK lookupExecution behavior lookup
The CVE wording references code or command execution, so execution technique review may help defensive triage. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.
Open ATT&CK lookupFile access behavior lookup
The CVE wording references file access or upload behavior, so file telemetry and web shell review may help. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.
Open ATT&CK lookupCVE-2021-24376 mapping review
Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.
Open ATT&CK lookup- Severity
- Unknown
- CVSS
- Not scored
- Known Exploited
- No
- Published
CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5
These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.
CVSS and timeline data
No CVSS vectors or timeline events were available in the normalized CVE source material.
Source materials
- CVE List V5 sourceCVE List V5
- https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/93edcc23-894a-46c2-84d2-407dcb64ba1eCVE reference · x_refsource_CONFIRM
Products and packages named in the record
CWE details
CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.
Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type
Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.