Plugin Name	CiyaShop
Type of Vulnerability	PHP Object Injection
CVE Number	CVE-2024-13824
Urgency	High
CVE Publish Date	2026-02-10
Source URL	CVE-2024-13824

Urgent Security Advisory: Unauthenticated PHP Object Injection in CiyaShop Theme (CVE-2024-13824) — Managed-WP Guidance for WordPress Site Owners

Date: February 10, 2026
Author: Managed-WP Security Experts

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Executive Summary

A critical vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-13824 affects the widely used CiyaShop WordPress theme (versions up to 4.19.0). This unauthenticated PHP Object Injection (POI) flaw allows attackers to exploit insecure unserialize() calls, potentially leading to remote code execution, arbitrary file manipulation, SQL injection, or denial-of-service attacks. The patched version 4.19.1 addresses this issue.

This advisory details the threat, exposure indicators, and immediate mitigation and remediation steps, bringing you proactive guidance from Managed-WP’s US-based security team dedicated to hardening WordPress environments.

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Contents

• Why this vulnerability is critical
• Understanding PHP Object Injection (POI)
• Summary of the CiyaShop vulnerability
• Attack techniques leveraging POI
• Indicators of compromise & signs of attack
• Immediate mitigation steps for vulnerable sites
• Recommended long-term security hardening
• How Managed-WP protection helps mitigate risk
• Incident response checklist and recovery guidance
• Preventive practices for site owners and developers
• Starting with Managed-WP Free Plan
• Final recommendations and next steps

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Why This Vulnerability Demands Immediate Attention

PHP Object Injection represents a severe threat because it exploits how PHP unserializes data that reconstructs objects. Unauthenticated attackers can inject crafted serialized objects that trigger malicious magic methods or chain existing code “gadgets” inside your WordPress environment, elevating from no privileges to full server compromise.

The CiyaShop flaw is particularly concerning due to:

• Unauthenticated exploitability—no login required.
• Wide adoption—many sites run CiyaShop pre-4.19.1.
• A CVSS score of 9.8 signifying critical impact.
• Realistic risk of remote code execution and data theft.

If your site runs CiyaShop 4.19.0 or earlier, treat it as compromised until patched and fully assessed.

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What is PHP Object Injection?

Technical Overview: PHP serialization converts objects into string format, which can be stored or transferred. Unserialization restores these strings back into objects. The vulnerability arises when user input is unserialized without validation, allowing attackers to craft serialized payloads that exploit internal methods like __wakeup(), __destruct(), or __toString() to run arbitrary code via “gadget chains” — pre-existing executable sequences within plugins, themes, or core.

Why gadget chains multiply danger: Attackers leverage legitimate, existing code paths to perform harmful actions without needing code injection. This makes POI exceptionally difficult to detect and highly impactful.

Note: Managed-WP focuses on detecting, blocking, and mitigating risks without publishing exploit specifics, prioritizing protection over enabling attackers.

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Key Facts About the CiyaShop POI Vulnerability

• Product: CiyaShop WordPress Theme
• Impacted Versions: ≤ 4.19.0
• Fixed In: 4.19.1
• Vulnerability Type: PHP Object Injection (unauthenticated)
• CVE Identifier: CVE-2024-13824
• Severity: Critical (CVSS 9.8)
• Authentication: None required
• Reported By: Independent Security Researcher
• Exploitability: High, given presence of usable gadget chains

Due to the severity and ease of exploitation, we urge urgent protective action on all affected sites.

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How Attackers Exploit PHP Object Injection

Common attack vectors resulting from POI vulnerabilities include:

• Remote Code Execution: Running arbitrary code via gadget chains.
• File Operations: Writing or including malicious PHP shells.
• Data Theft / SQL Injection: Manipulating database queries to exfiltrate or corrupt data.
• Path Traversal: Reading sensitive configuration or credential files.
• Denial of Service: Overloading CPU or memory leading to server crashes.

Impact is heavily dependent on the combination of installed themes, plugins, and server environment.

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Indicators of Compromise and Signs of Attack

Site administrators should audit for the following suspicious activity patterns:

1. Requests containing serialized PHP payloads
   • HTTP POST bodies or parameters starting with serialized object markers like “O:” or “a:”.
   • Encoded base64 or URL-encoded serialized strings targeting theme related endpoints.
2. Unusual theme endpoint access
   • Unexpected calls to Ajax actions or theme-specific PHP files.
3. Unauthorized file changes
   • New or altered PHP files within wp-content/themes/ciyashop/ or uploads folders.
4. Unexpected admin users or account changes
   • New admin accounts or unauthorized password resets.
5. Suspicious scheduled cron jobs
   • Cron running unknown or suspicious PHP scripts.
6. Outbound connections
   • Unexpected external network connections initiated by PHP.
7. Spike in error logs or HTTP 5xx status responses
   • Frequent errors or traffic from suspicious IP addresses.

Evidence collection tips: Export server access/error logs, WAF logs, and analyze suspicious serialized payload requests. Review timestamps and unexpected admin activity.

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Immediate Action Plan for Vulnerable Sites

1. Backup the entire site and database—Preserve evidence for forensic analysis.
2. Update the CiyaShop Theme—Immediately upgrade to version 4.19.1 or later.
3. Use WAF Rules to block serialized payloads—Implement virtual patches and block suspicious traffic at the perimeter.
4. Conduct full malware scan—Scan for shell files, modifications, and rogue accounts.
5. Rotate credentials—Change passwords and API keys potentially exposed by the vulnerability.
6. Enable monitoring and log collection—Maintain logs for at least 30 days for effective incident investigation.
7. If compromise is suspected, isolate the site—Consider temporary maintenance mode or restricting admin access.

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Mitigation Steps: Short and Long Term

Short-Term Emergency Precautions

• Deploy WAF virtual patching blocking serialized request patterns.
• Restrict or disable vulnerable theme endpoints if possible.
• Harden file permissions—remove PHP execution rights from uploads directory.

Long-Term Security Best Practices

• Maintain regular updates on WordPress core, themes, and plugins.
• Reduce bloat—remove unneeded themes/plugins minimizing gadget exposure.
• Enforce least privilege security principles on users and services.
• Utilize managed WAF solutions with up-to-date virtual patching.
• Harden PHP with disabled risky functions after testing.
• Implement file integrity monitoring and regular security audits.

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WordPress Hardening Measures to Mitigate POI Impact

1. Avoid using unserialize() on untrusted user input. Use JSON as safer alternatives.
2. Remove unused classes, plugins, and themes to reduce gadget exposure.
3. Prevent PHP execution in upload directories via server config (.htaccess/nginx).
4. Install themes and plugins exclusively from trusted repositories.
5. Apply strict Content Security Policy (CSP) to mitigate client-side data leakage.
6. Restrict access and authenticate REST API endpoints effectively.
7. Maintain tested backups and incident recovery plans.

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How Managed-WP Fortifies Your WordPress Site

Managed-WP delivers a comprehensive US-based security platform tailored for WordPress site owners:

• Managed WAF with instant virtual patching blocks exploit attempts at the network edge the moment vulnerabilities surface.
• Behavioral detection identifies anomalous serialized payloads and suspicious access patterns rapidly.
• Automated malware scanning detects and flags modified or malicious files proactively.
• Expert incident response support through managed plans accelerates containment and recovery.
• High-performance protection with minimal site impact ensures user experience is preserved.

Relying solely on manual updates leaves your site exposed during the critical window between vulnerability disclosure and patch application. Managed-WP bridges this gap with fast virtual patching and expert remediation.

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Incident Response Checklist

1. Contain: Activate WAF rules, limit admin access, consider maintenance mode.
2. Preserve: Backup current site state and database securely.
3. Patch: Update CiyaShop theme immediately.
4. Hunt: Search uploads and theme/plugin folders for suspicious files.
5. Erase: Remove webshells and unauthorized files; reset passwords.
6. Restore: Where available, restore clean backups, reinstall trusted plugins/themes.
7. Monitor: Maintain enhanced logging, watch for anomalous activity over 30+ days.
8. Review: Analyze breach root cause and update security policies accordingly.

If you lack the resources to perform these forensic actions, contact Managed-WP’s expert team for hands-on support.

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Preventive Controls for Developers and Site Owners

• Remove unused plugins/themes promptly.
• Apply Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on all admin accounts.
• Schedule updates and security audits during low-traffic times.
• Use role-based access and limit powerful permissions.
• Implement server-level security like mod_security, rate limiting, process caps.
• Conduct static code analysis for insecure patterns (unserialize, eval).
• Adopt file integrity monitoring tools with alerting.
• Maintain a tested backup and disaster recovery strategy.

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Begin Protecting Your Site with Managed-WP Free Plan

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Final Recommendations

1. Update CiyaShop theme to 4.19.1 immediately if not done.
2. Deploy managed WAF protections right away if patching is delayed.
3. Investigate logs for serialized payloads, anomalous traffic, or unauthorized admin actions.
4. Harden server and WordPress configurations following best practices.
5. Maintain frequent backups and file integrity checks.

Critical vulnerabilities like this highlight the need for layered defenses and reactive capabilities. Managed-WP is your partner for comprehensive WordPress security from discovery through recovery.

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Have questions or need support configuring Managed-WP protections for your site? Contact our US-based security team through the Managed-WP dashboard. We prioritize critical issues and provide tailored solutions to keep your WordPress environment safe.

Stay protected,
Managed-WP Security Experts

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Legal & Disclosure Notice: This advisory summarizes CVE-2024-13824 related to CiyaShop PHP Object Injection and shares recommended security actions. Exploit details are withheld to prevent facilitation of attacks. Follow responsible practices and consult Managed-WP for emergency support if needed.

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