This vulnerability allows exploitation due to missing authorization in the themebeez Simple GDPR Cookie Compliance plugin, impacting versions up to 2.0.0. The vulnerability is categorized as a Missing Authorization issue, which can lead to unauthorized access and manipulation of data. With a CVSS score of 5.3, it is considered medium severity, indicating a moderate risk to organizations that utilize this plugin.
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive user data and configurations, which can lead to further security breaches. Given the nature of this vulnerability, organizations should prioritize patching immediately to prevent exploitation.
As of now, there are no known exploits or public proof-of-concept (PoC) available for this vulnerability. However, the nature of access control vulnerabilities means that they can be exploited using common techniques, emphasizing the importance for organizations to address this issue promptly.
Organizations should implement the necessary updates or configurations as part of their security posture to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability effectively.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability involves missing authorization in the themebeez Simple GDPR Cookie Compliance plugin, allowing exploitation through incorrectly configured access control security levels. It affects versions from n/a through 2.0.0. According to the CVSS 3.1 scoring system, this vulnerability has a base score of 5.3, which classifies it as medium severity.
The weakness is identified as CWE-862, which specifically relates to missing authorization. The vulnerability was published on January 23, 2026, and is classified as Deferred.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is the absence of proper authorization checks within the plugin, which can lead to unauthorized actions being performed by users who should not have such access. The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, allowing remote attackers to exploit it without needing physical access to the system.
The attack complexity is assessed as low, meaning that attackers do not require advanced skills to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, no privileges are required for the attacker, and user interaction is not necessary, making it easier to exploit.
The impacts of successful exploitation include low integrity impact, as attackers may manipulate data without proper authorization, but no confidentiality or availability impacts are noted.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with this vulnerability is significant, particularly for organizations using the affected plugin in environments that handle sensitive user data. The potential for unauthorized access creates a blast radius that could affect numerous users, leading to data breaches or compliance violations.
Organizations should assess their exposure to this vulnerability and prioritize remediation based on the medium CVSS score. Given the current lack of known exploits, there is a narrow window for organizations to address this vulnerability before it could potentially be leveraged in attacks.
Moreover, the vulnerability has a low probability of being exploited in the wild, as indicated by an EPSS score of 0.00014, placing it in the 0.024 percentile. However, organizations should remain vigilant as exploitation opportunities can quickly change.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of the themebeez Simple GDPR Cookie Compliance plugin are all versions prior to vendor patch, specifically from n/a up to and including version 2.0.0.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching their installations of the themebeez Simple GDPR Cookie Compliance plugin to the latest version available. If a patch is unavailable, consider implementing configuration hardening measures to restrict access controls effectively.
Incorporating continuous security testing into your security strategy can help identify and remediate vulnerabilities proactively. Organizations can benefit from utilizing continuous penetration testing to ensure compliance with security standards.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unexpected access patterns and behavioral anomalies. It is essential to identify any unauthorized changes to configurations or user permissions.
Additionally, implementing network signatures to identify unauthorized access attempts can bolster detection efforts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2026-24604 highlights the ongoing challenges related to access control vulnerabilities in widely-used plugins. This incident underscores the need for security teams to remain vigilant in monitoring plugin vulnerabilities and ensuring timely updates.
Organizations can enhance their security posture by actively participating in a vulnerability management program to identify and address similar weaknesses.
This vulnerability also serves as a reminder for organizations to adopt a proactive approach towards security assessments and to invest in penetration testing methodologies that can uncover weaknesses before they can be exploited.
Finally, organizations should consider engaging in security testing best practices to ensure their defenses are robust against potential threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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