Enable Media Replace: PHP object injection
The Enable Media Replace WordPress plugin before 4.2.3 does not restrict the classes allowed when deserializing stored metadata during its media replace-and-update-links routine, allowing unauthenticated users to inject a PHP object that is instantiated when a user with upload access performs a routine media replacement, resulting in PHP Object Injection and local file inclusion of existing PHP/HTML files, which can be escalated to remote code execution where an attacker-influenced PHP or HTML file is present on the server. This is a regression of CVE-2023-4643, which was fixed in 4.1.3 and reintroduced in 4.1.4. The structured affected range is 4.1.4 to < 4.2.3.
- Component
- Enable Media Replace
- Plugin slug
enable-media-replace- Affected
- 4.1.4 to < 4.2.3
- Safe version
4.2.3- Published
- Oct 30, 2026
- Weakness
- Not assigned
This CVE was published Oct 30, 2026 and is one of 11 known issues for this plugin.
Update, patch or deactivate.
Update to a supported release containing the confirmed fix: 4.2.3. Do not deserialize attacker-controlled input into PHP objects; enforce the intended authorization before processing it.
A safe version is available, so updating to that version or later is the preferred remediation. If an immediate update is not practical, consider a targeted application patch or temporarily restricting the affected functionality.
Deactivate only when warranted by your risk profile, or when advised by your hosting provider in the limited circumstances where the vulnerability cannot otherwise be mitigated. If you’re unsure which action is appropriate, contact Fused or your hosting provider for guidance.
Technical description
The Enable Media Replace WordPress plugin before 4.2.3 does not restrict the classes allowed when deserializing stored metadata during its media replace-and-update-links routine, allowing unauthenticated users to inject a PHP object that is instantiated when a user with upload access performs a routine media replacement, resulting in PHP Object Injection and local file inclusion of existing PHP/HTML files, which can be escalated to remote code execution where an attacker-influenced PHP or HTML file is present on the server. This is a regression of CVE-2023-4643, which was fixed in 4.1.3 and reintroduced in 4.1.4.