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CVE-2023-2996 - Before 12 Plugin

CVE-2023-2996

The Jetpack WordPress plugin before 12.1.1 does not validate uploaded files, allowing users with author roles or above to manipulate existing files on the site, deleting arbitrary files, and in rare cases achieve Remote Code Execution via phar deserialization.

CVE-2023-2996

HIGH CVSS 8.8 Published 2023-06-27 Updated 2024-11-21
AI Risk High (86/100) Active Exploit: No strong signal Published Exploit: No public exploit references Priority: P2 Urgent
Severity Band HIGH
CVSS Vector CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Affected Components 2
Reference Links 2
AI Risk Engine High (86/100)
Exploitability High
Active Exploitation No strong signal
Published Exploit Status No public exploit references

Threat Timeline

  1. 2023-06-27 CVE published and first recorded in the threat feed.
  2. 2024-11-21 Record updated with latest vulnerability metadata.
  3. 2026-04-09 AI technical context refreshed for mitigation and impact guidance.
  4. Now Monitoring for follow-up changes, linked references, and new related CVEs.

AI Context

Machine-generated threat intelligence

AI Updated 6 days ago

AI enriched 6 days ago (2026-04-09 09:54 UTC)

Technical Summary

The Jetpack WordPress plugin before 12.1.1 does not validate uploaded files, allowing users with author roles or above to manipulate existing files on the site, deleting arbitrary files, and in rare cases achieve Remote Code Execution via phar deserialization.

Potential Impact

Severity is HIGH (CVSS 8.8). Depending on deployment context, affected components may be exposed to unauthorized actions or data integrity risk.

Exploitability Assessment

Exploitability is assessed as High based on remote code execution potential.

Primary risk drivers: remote code execution potential

Mitigation Recommendations

Validate affected product versions, prioritize patching, and monitor references for vendor remediation guidance. If immediate patching is not possible, apply compensating controls and limit exposure of vulnerable surfaces.

Detection & Monitoring

Track authentication anomalies, unexpected file writes, and suspicious plugin API activity around affected components.

Business Impact Lens

Prioritize remediation where affected components process customer data, admin sessions, or Internet-exposed workflows.

Affected Products

Before 12 PLUGIN · before-12 Affected: < 12.1.1 Fixed in: 12.1.1
Jetpack PLUGIN · jetpack Affected: < 12.1.1 Fixed in: 12.1.1
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