The Autoptimize WordPress plugin before 2.7.8 attempts to delete malicious files (such as .php) form the uploaded archive via the "Import Settings" feature, after its extraction. However, the extracted folders are not checked and it is possible to upload a zip which contained a directory with PHP file in it and then it is not removed from the disk. It is a bypass of CVE-2020-24948 which allows sending a PHP file via the "Import Settings" functionality to achieve Remote Code Execution.
CVE-2021-24376 is a critical severity with CVSS 9.8 Remote Code Execution issue affecting the Plugin Autoptimize. It affects Versions before 2.7.8 and is fixed in 2.7.8.
Use the related hub and response guides to connect this CVE-2021-24376 report with patch validation, scanner checks, and site hardening work.
Open the grouped hub for related CVEs, affected ranges, severity mix, and patch coverage.
Check access, XML-RPC exposure, backup readiness, and monitoring after patching.
Use containment, evidence capture, remediation, and validation steps when exploit risk is high.
CVE-2021-24376 is tracked for the Plugin Autoptimize as critical severity with CVSS 9.8. The affected range is Versions before 2.7.8. Update Autoptimize to 2.7.8 or newer where that version is compatible with the site.
Search engines and operators need more than a title. This page exposes the identifier, affected range, patch evidence, and source coverage that make the vulnerability actionable.
This report has a CVE identifier, which makes it suitable for focused search and vulnerability triage workflows.
Affected version data gives operators a concrete comparison point against installed WordPress software.
A fixed version is present, so the page can answer update and remediation intent directly.
External references are available for source validation, advisory review, and incident notes.
Use these checks when converting this record into a patch ticket, incident note, or risk acceptance decision.
Inventory the installed Plugin package and compare its version with Versions before 2.7.8.
Confirm Autoptimize is updated to 2.7.8 or newer.
Review references and CVSS vector details for exploitability, authentication requirements, and exposure path.
After patching, re-run vulnerability monitoring and keep the related plugin or theme hub under review for follow-up CVEs.
| Software Type | Plugin |
|---|---|
| Software Slug |
autoptimize
View on wordpress.org
|
| CVE | CVE-2021-24376 |
| Patched Versions |
2.7.8
|
| Affected Versions |
Versions before 2.7.8
|
These internal links group the same WordPress plugin by CVE, issue type, severity, and patch status so operators and search engines can connect the full vulnerability cluster.
Autoptimize <= 2.7.7 - Race Condition leading to Remote Code Execution
Autoptimize <= 2.7.6 - Authenticated Arbitrary File Upload
Autoptimize <= 3.1.14 - Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Lazy-loaded Image Attributes
Autoptimize <= 3.1.14 - Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via 'ao_post_preload' Meta Value
Autoptimize <= 3.1.13 - Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting
Autoptimize <= 3.1.0 - Authenticated (Admin+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Critical CSS Settings
Autoptimize <= 2.8.3 - Stored Cross-Site Scripting
Autoptimize <= 3.0.4 - Sensitive Information Disclosure
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