Hackers have wasted no time exploiting a newly disclosed auth bypass in WordPress plugin OttoKit (previously called SureTriggers). This plugin integration tool helps site owners connect and automate various services like WooCommerce, Mailchimp, or Google Sheets. However, researchers report that malicious actors began creating unauthorized admin accounts on unpatched sites only hours after the vulnerability (CVE-2025-3102) was made public. Consequently, any affected website risks a complete compromise unless the plugin is quickly updated.
Rapid Exploitation of OttoKit’s Auth Bypass

OttoKit, which is installed on roughly 100,000 WordPress sites, introduced an authentication bypass for certain API endpoints in versions up to 1.0.78. Yesterday, Wordfence revealed the vulnerability. Later, Patchstack confirmed exploit attempts emerged about four hours after Wordfence published details.
Why Attackers Responded So Quickly
- Immediate Disclosure:
The full nature of the flaw was described in accessible detail, enabling threat actors to craft exploits without delay. - High-Value Target:
Many e-commerce and marketing automation setups depend on OttoKit. Compromise yields admin-level access that typically leads to severe damage or data theft. - Delay in Updates:
Not all admins update promptly. Attackers often rely on that lag, scanning thousands of websites for outdated plugin versions.
Since OttoKit wields such influence over site management, the presence of an admin bypass can have severe ramifications for anyone who fails to patch rapidly.
CVE-2025-3102: Core Vulnerability
Missing Check for Empty secret_key
The plugin’s authenticate_user()
function, which normally verifies a secret key, failed to block requests when that key remained empty. Consequently, an attacker could pass an empty st_authorization
header. That oversight tricked the plugin into granting API access without verifying legitimate credentials. Moreover, once inside, attackers would likely create new administrator accounts, injecting backdoors or controlling the entire site from there.
Important Details:
- The flaw impacts OttoKit versions up to 1.0.78.
- Exploitation occurs if the plugin’s API key was never configured.
- Attackers exploit an empty header to bypass normal checks.
Because many site owners do not initialize all plugin settings, criminals found an easy entry route whenever the plugin’s secret_key
field remained unused.
Urgent Update: Move to 1.0.79
Vendor’s Prompt Reaction
After being notified on April 3, the OttoKit development team released version 1.0.79 later that same day. Wordfence then published details, but the exploit wave started soon after. Additionally, Patchstack warns that any site still running older plugin versions remains fully exposed.
Steps to Protect Your Site:
- Install OttoKit 1.0.79 or Later:
Ensure your plugin is at the latest version. Use the WordPress dashboard or a direct file upload to upgrade. - Check API Configuration:
Confirm that you have defined a secret key in OttoKit’s settings. This measure prevents the emptysecret_key
scenario that fuels the bypass. - Review User Accounts:
Look for unknown administrators or suspicious changes in user permissions. - Scan for Malicious Files:
Sometimes attackers install new plugins, tamper with existing themes, or leave malicious scripts. A quick site scan can reveal anomalies.
Since the plugin code previously allowed easy creation of admin accounts, site owners may want to check logs for unusual plugin or theme additions.
Why OttoKit’s Auth Bypass Matters
WordPress remains the most popular content management system, which places it in constant danger of hacking attempts. Attackers often focus on newly disclosed vulnerabilities, hoping to strike before site managers apply fixes. Because OttoKit (SureTriggers) can orchestrate actions across other services, a single infiltration might compromise large sets of data or essential workflows.
Threat Actors’ Typical Behavior:
- Rapid Admin Creation:
Automated scripts add an admin with random username/password combos. - Immediate Backdoor Installation:
Attackers sometimes upload a malicious theme or plugin. - Pivoting to More Services:
By controlling OttoKit, they might integrate or manipulate other connected external apps like Google Sheets or Mailchimp.
Each scenario highlights why ignoring or delaying plugin updates for even a day can prove detrimental.
How to Respond if You Suspect a Breach
- Reset Admin Passwords:
This step is vital if any unknown admin accounts appeared, preventing further sabotage. - Reinstall Core Files:
Malicious code frequently hides in theme or plugin directories. Downloading fresh WordPress core files can remove suspicious scripts. - Harden Security Plugins:
Evaluate WAF (Web Application Firewall) rules or advanced intrusion detection. Tools like Wordfence or Patchstack can flag unusual server calls. - Scan API Integrations:
Check whether the attacker altered or added automation tasks in the plugin’s interface.
Finally, remember to share details of the attack with your hosting provider. They can monitor logs and inform you of suspicious IP addresses that repeatedly target your site.
Hackers capitalized on the auth bypass in WordPress plugin OttoKit mere hours after the vulnerability’s public disclosure. Consequently, any WordPress site using older plugin versions is at high risk. By upgrading to version 1.0.79 and configuring the API key properly, administrators can eliminate the immediate threat. Meanwhile, thorough log reviews and security scans ensure that no leftover backdoors or unknown admin accounts remain. Staying diligent about plugin updates and verifying that each plugin’s configuration is sound helps mitigate future break-ins. Thus, prompt action guarantees you remain one step ahead of opportunistic attackers.