CVE-2026-12115: Counter Box <= 2.0.13 - Authenticated (Administrator+) PHP Object Injection via Import
The Counter Box – Add Countdowns, Timers & Dynamic Counters to WordPress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to PHP Object Injection in all versions up to, and including, 2.0.13 via deserialization of untrusted input . This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with administrator-level access and above, to inject a PHP Object. No known POP chain is present in the vulnerable software, which means this vulnerability has no impact unless another plugin or theme containing a POP chain is installed on the site. If a POP chain is present via an additional plugin or theme installed on the target system, it may allow the attacker to perform actions like delete arbitrary files, retrieve sensitive data, or execute code depending on the POP chain present. Deserialization is triggered automatically upon the post-import redirect that renders the list table, and again when any item is opened for editing, requiring no additional navigation beyond the import action itself.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Remove
Remove
Counter Box – Add Countdowns, Timers & Dynamic Counters to WordPressfrom your environment.Uninstall the Counter Box plugin if it is not required. Remove the plugin from the WordPress plugins list and delete its files from the site.
- Compensating control
Harden and restrict administrator access: limit access to the WordPress admin area and plugin management to trusted IP addresses, enforce multi-factor authentication for administrator accounts, and restrict number of administrator accounts to only necessary personnel.
- Operational
Audit installed plugins and themes for PHP POP (property-oriented programming) gadget chains, and remove or update any that provide POP chains because the vulnerability is exploitable only if such a chain is present. Inspect recent imports/edits for signs of exploitation and verify site integrity (check for unexpected file deletions, modifications, or sensitive data access).
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-12115?
The severity of CVE-2026-12115 is categorized as medium with a score of 6.6.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2026-12115?
CVE-2026-12115 is a PHP Object Injection vulnerability via deserialization of untrusted input.
How do I fix CVE-2026-12115?
To fix CVE-2026-12115, update the Counter Box plugin to version 2.0.14 or later, which addresses this vulnerability.
Who is affected by CVE-2026-12115?
CVE-2026-12115 affects authenticated users with administrator-level access using the Counter Box plugin for WordPress.
What impacts can CVE-2026-12115 have if exploited?
If exploited, CVE-2026-12115 can allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system.