This vulnerability is highly dangerous and expected to become exploited. Vulnerabilities like this one are used in mass-exploit campaigns. Attackers use these to attack thousands of websites at a time, regardless of traffic size or popularity. Learn more.
As immediate action, update the affected plugin. If you're unable to do so, ask your hosting provider or web developer for help.
Refer to https://smartslider.helpscoutdocs.com/article/2144-wordpress-security-advisory-smart-slider-3-pro-3-5-1-35-compromise for cleanup assistance. Note that the mitigation rule does not prevent total exploitation of the malware that may have been embedded.
A backdoor is a malicious file which could allow a malicious actor to gain access and exploit your website at any time they desire. One example would be to execute a payload to inject advertisements on your website.
CVSS score is a way to evaluate and rank reported vulnerabilities in a standardized and repeatable way but which is not ideal for WordPress.
We advise to mitigate or resolve the vulnerability immediately.
Patchstack has issued a mitigation rule to block any attacks until you have updated to a patched version.
Update to version 3.5.1.36 or later to resolve the vulnerability. Patchstack users can turn on auto-update for vulnerable plugins only.
Published by Patchstack
8 Apr, 2026