CVE-2026-22486 is a medium-severity vulnerability in the Re Gallery plugin, which allows attackers to exploit missing authorization and gain access to resources that should be restricted. This vulnerability has a CVSS score of 5.3, indicating a moderate risk that organizations should not overlook. The issue arises from incorrectly configured access control security levels, which can expose sensitive data or functionalities.
The vulnerability affects versions of the Re Gallery plugin prior to 1.18.9. Organizations using this plugin should take this vulnerability seriously, as it can lead to unauthorized access and potential data breaches. The risk to organizations includes the possibility of unauthorized modifications and data leaks, necessitating timely remediation.
Currently, there is no known public exploit for this vulnerability, but the potential for exploitation is present due to its nature. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability as soon as a fix is available to avoid any unauthorized access.
The urgency for defenders is high, as the longer this vulnerability remains unaddressed, the greater the risk of exploitation becomes. Immediate action is recommended to assess the current configuration of the Re Gallery plugin and to apply any necessary updates.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2026-22486 indicates that it is a missing authorization vulnerability in the Re Gallery plugin, affecting versions from n/a through 1.18.9. The CVSS score of 5.3 categorizes this vulnerability as medium severity. The CWE classification for this vulnerability is CWE-862, which refers to missing authorization.
The vulnerability allows attackers to exploit incorrectly configured access control security levels, which could lead to unauthorized access to restricted areas of the application. This vulnerability was published on January 8, 2026.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2026-22486 stems from a lack of proper authorization checks in the Re Gallery plugin. This oversight allows malicious actors to bypass intended access controls, leading to potential unauthorized access to sensitive functionalities or data.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, meaning that an attacker can exploit it remotely without physical access to the system. The complexity of the attack is low, as no special conditions or privileges are required to exploit the vulnerability. Additionally, the user interaction requirement is none, allowing for automated exploitation.
The impact of this vulnerability on confidentiality is none, but it does present a low impact on integrity. Organizations should be aware that while the availability of the system is not affected, unauthorized modifications can compromise data integrity.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with CVE-2026-22486 is significant, especially for organizations relying on the Re Gallery plugin for their WordPress sites. The lack of proper authorization controls can lead to unauthorized access, exposing sensitive information or functionalities to malicious users.
Organizations should consider the potential blast radius of this vulnerability, as it could impact a wide range of users and functionalities within the application. The urgency for addressing this vulnerability is moderate, and organizations should schedule remediation as part of their patch management cycle.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The Re Gallery plugin is affected in versions from n/a through 1.18.9. Organizations using this plugin should check their current version and apply updates as necessary.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should update the Re Gallery plugin to the latest version. If an immediate upgrade is not possible, consider implementing access controls and monitoring configurations to minimize exposure. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments, as well as consider penetration testing services to identify similar vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any unauthorized access attempts or anomalies in user behavior. Specific indicators to watch for include unusual login activity or attempts to access restricted areas without proper authorization.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2026-22486 lies in its representation of common access control vulnerabilities within plugins, which remain a frequent target for attackers. Security teams should prioritize addressing such vulnerabilities, as they can lead to significant breaches if left unmitigated.
Organizations can learn from this vulnerability by ensuring robust security assessments are part of their development lifecycle. Regular reviews of access controls can help identify and mitigate vulnerabilities before they are exploited. For further insights, security teams should consider reviewing the vulnerability management program and the penetration testing methodology to strengthen their overall security posture.
This vulnerability highlights the need for continuous vigilance in the management of web application security, especially concerning plugins that can introduce risks if not properly configured.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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