PatchTheCVECVE-2022-2438: The Broken Link Checker plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to deserialization of untrusted input via the '$log
CVE-2022-2438 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting broken link checker. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
The Broken Link Checker plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to deserialization of untrusted input via the '$log_file' value in versions up to, and including 1.11.16. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with administrative privileges and above to call files using a PHAR wrapper that will deserialize the data and call arbitrary PHP Objects that can be used to perform a variety of malicious actions granted a POP chain is also present.
Why this priority
- High severity
A fixed release or distro patch exists.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 7.2 (High) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | High |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | 1.8% (top 22%) |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-502 |
| Published | 2022-09-06 |
| Last modified | 2026-06-17 |
Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Am I affected?
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.
Quick answers
How do I fix CVE-2022-2438?
broken link checker: upgrade to 1.11.17. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.
Is CVE-2022-2438 being exploited?
CVE-2022-2438 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.
What does CVE-2022-2438 affect?
CVE-2022-2438 affects broken link checker. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). The Broken Link Checker plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to deserialization of untrusted input via the '$log_file' value in versions up to, and including 1.11.16. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with administrative priv
How urgent is CVE-2022-2438?
Priority 45/100. High severity
Software pages
WordPress vulnerabilities · PHP vulnerabilities
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