CVE-2023-7064 Deserialization in Shortcodes and extra features for Phlox theme

High 7.5 Published 2 May 2024 Updated 8 Apr 2026

Authenticated attackers can exploit PHP object injection in the Phlox theme plugin to potentially execute code or access data if a POP chain exists.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Any signed-in user
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2023-7064?

CVE-2023-7064 is a high-severity unsafe deserialization vulnerability in averta Shortcodes and extra features for Phlox theme, published on 2 May 2024. Any signed-in user can exploit it over the network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

The Shortcodes and extra features for Phlox theme plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to PHP Object Injection in all versions up to, and including, 2.17.5 via deserialization of untrusted input from the vulnerable 'id' parameter in the 'auxin_template_control_importer' function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers able to upload a separate PHAR payload as an image file to inject a PHP Object, though the action itself is available to subscribers. No POP chain is present in the vulnerable plugin. If a POP chain is present via an additional plugin or theme installed on the target system, it could allow the attacker to delete arbitrary files, retrieve sensitive data, or execute code.

Weakness: CWE-502

Which versions are affected by CVE-2023-7064?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Averta Shortcodes and Extra Features for Phlox Theme.

How do I fix CVE-2023-7064?

No fix has been published for CVE-2023-7064 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade, and only deserialise data from trusted sources or with an allow-list of types. More about Unsafe deserialization.

Is CVE-2023-7064 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2023-7064 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-rcjh-j3cc-cq79.