WordPress Automatic Plugin - Missing Authorization (CVE-2021-4374)

CVE-2021-4374 is a high-severity vulnerability in the WordPress Automatic Plugin by ValvePress, affecting versions up to 3.53.2. Due to missing authorization and validation in the process_form.php file, unauthenticated attackers can arbitrarily update site options, potentially leading to full site compromise. This flaw could be exploited to alter critical settings, disrupt site functionality, or enable further attacks against WordPress sites.

CrowdSec has been tracking this vulnerability and its exploits since 26th of November 2025.

Data from the CrowdSec community indicates that exploitation of CVE-2021-4374 is highly selective and intelligence-driven. Threat actors use advanced reconnaissance and carefully choose their targets, often as part of sophisticated campaigns or advanced persistent threat operations. Telemetry from the CrowdSec network also shows that exploitation activity for CVE-2021-4374 remains steady week-over-week. Attack volumes are consistent with long-term trends, indicating sustained interest from threat actors. CVE-2021-4374 continues to be an active part of the threat landscape and will likely remain this way for the forseeable future.

Attackers exploit this vulnerability by sending unauthenticated POST requests to /wp-content/plugins/wp-automatic/process_form.php, attempting to change arbitrary WordPress options and settings. This endpoint is targeted to escalate privileges or modify site configurations without authentication.