CVE-2024-50492

The vulnerability in ScottCart, a plugin for WordPress, stems from improper control over the generation of code, specifically allowing for code injection attacks. This flaw arises when user input is not adequately sanitized or validated before being executed as code. Attackers can exploit this weakness by injecting malicious code into the application, which the server subsequently executes. The implications of this vulnerability are significant, as it can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and the potential for complete system compromise. The affected versions of ScottCart, particularly those up to and including 1.1, are at risk, making it critical for users to assess their current installations.

Attack vectors for this vulnerability are diverse and can be executed through various means. An attacker might leverage forms within the ScottCart plugin that accept user input, such as comment sections, product reviews, or configuration settings. By crafting a payload that includes malicious code, the attacker can manipulate the application to execute arbitrary commands on the server. Additionally, if the application is integrated with other plugins or themes that also fail to validate input, the risk of exploitation increases. Scenarios could involve an attacker gaining administrative privileges, leading to further exploitation of the WordPress environment, including the installation of backdoors or the exfiltration of sensitive data.

The real-world impact of this vulnerability can be profound, particularly for businesses that rely on ScottCart for e-commerce functionalities. A successful exploitation could result in significant financial losses due to fraud, theft of customer information, and damage to the organization’s reputation. Furthermore, the potential for regulatory repercussions, especially in industries governed by data protection laws, adds another layer of business risk. Organizations may face fines and legal actions if customer data is compromised, leading to a loss of trust from clients and stakeholders. The cascading effects of such a breach can disrupt operations and lead to long-term financial implications.

To effectively detect and mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should adopt a multi-faceted approach. Regularly updating the ScottCart plugin to the latest version is crucial, as developers often release patches to address known vulnerabilities. Implementing web application firewalls (WAFs) can help detect and block malicious input before it reaches the application. Additionally, conducting regular security audits and penetration testing can uncover potential weaknesses in the application and its environment. Educating developers and users about secure coding practices and the importance of input validation can further reduce the risk of code injection vulnerabilities.

In conclusion, the code injection vulnerability in ScottCart poses a significant threat to WordPress users, with the potential for severe consequences if exploited. Understanding the technical details, attack vectors, and real-world impacts is essential for organizations to develop effective detection and mitigation strategies. By prioritizing security and adopting best practices, businesses can safeguard their applications against such vulnerabilities, protecting both their assets and their customers.

CSURFACE threat intelligence has identified a significant shift in the threat landscape surrounding CVE-2024-50492. A public proof-of-concept exploit for the ScottCart code injection vulnerability has emerged on GitHub, marking the first known instance of publicly available exploit code. This development has directly influenced the vulnerability’s CVSS score, elevating it to 8.3, and triggered a substantial increase in the Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) value to 0.6226, placing it near the top percentile for exploitation likelihood. Our telemetry indicates a marked escalation in interest and potential weaponization, underscoring that threat actors now have accessible tools to facilitate unauthenticated remote code execution against affected ScottCart instances. This evolution materially raises the risk profile for organizations using ScottCart, as the availability of exploit code lowers the barrier for attackers and accelerates the timeline for potential compromise. Consequently, defenders must recognize that the vulnerability has transitioned from theoretical risk to an active exploitation threat, warranting heightened vigilance in detection and response efforts.

Update 2 — June 09, 2026

The CVSS score for CVE-2024-50492 has been revised upward from 8.3 to 9.8, reflecting a reassessment of the vulnerability’s impact and exploitability. This adjustment corresponds with the emergence of publicly available proof-of-concept exploit code enabling unauthenticated remote code execution against ScottCart versions up to 1.1. CSURFACE threat intelligence notes that while the Exploit Prediction Scoring System (EPSS) metric remains stable, the exploitability has materially increased due to the lowered technical barrier for attackers. Our telemetry indicates a marked escalation in scanning and exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability, signaling that threat actors are actively integrating this exploit into their toolsets. This shift elevates the threat level from a high-risk theoretical vulnerability to an imminent operational risk, necessitating that defenders prioritize detection and response capabilities accordingly. The availability of exploit code combined with the critical severity score underscores the urgency for organizations relying on ScottCart to reassess their exposure and monitoring strategies.