Smart Slider 3 Pro for WordPress: Embedded Malicious Code
CVE-2026-34424 is a critical-severity embedded malicious code vulnerability in Smart Slider 3 Pro for WordPress from Nextendweb, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected Smart Slider 3 Pro for WordPress versions: 3.5.1.35. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.56% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of Smart Slider 3 Pro for WordPress you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on smartslider.helpscoutdocs.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nextendweb | Smart Slider 3 Pro for WordPress | 3.5.1.35 | Not stated |
| Nextendweb | Smart Slider 3 Pro for Joomla | 3.5.1.35 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (vulncheck.com).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 9.3 | Critical | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
Official description
Smart Slider 3 Pro version 3.5.1.35 for WordPress and Joomla contains a multi-stage remote access toolkit injected through a compromised update system that allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code and commands. Attackers can trigger pre-authentication remote shell execution via HTTP headers, establish authenticated backdoors accepting arbitrary PHP code or OS commands, create hidden administrator accounts, exfiltrate credentials and access keys, and maintain persistence through multiple injection points including must-use plugins and core file modifications.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Embedded Malicious Code
The product contains code that appears to be malicious in nature.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Remove the malicious code and start an effort to ensure that no more malicious code exists. This may require a detailed review of all code, as it is possible to hide a serious attack in only one or two lines of code. These lines may be located almost anywhere in an application and may have been intentionally obfuscated by the attacker.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Other references
Recent Embedded Malicious Code vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
ASUS Live Update Embedded Malicious Code Exploited
- 9.6 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
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