CVE-2014-0166 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
The wp_validate_auth_cookie function in wp-includes/pluggable.php in WordPress before 3.7.2 and 3.8.x before 3.8.2 does not properly determine the validity of authentication cookies, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access via a forged cookie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0166 resides within the WordPress content management system and specifically targets the wp_validate_auth_cookie function located in wp-includes/pluggable.php. This flaw affects WordPress versions prior to 3.7.2 and all 3.8.x versions before 3.8.2, creating a significant security weakness that could be exploited by remote attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of authentication cookies, which are critical components used to maintain user sessions and verify identities within the WordPress ecosystem.
The technical flaw in this vulnerability manifests as a failure in the authentication cookie validation logic, where the wp_validate_auth_cookie function does not adequately verify the integrity and authenticity of cookies presented by users. This improper validation allows malicious actors to craft forged authentication cookies that can be accepted by the system as legitimate. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and authentication checking, which aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by generating specially crafted cookies that bypass the normal authentication flow, effectively allowing unauthorized access to WordPress administrative interfaces and user accounts.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0166 is substantial, as it provides remote attackers with a pathway to compromise WordPress installations without requiring valid credentials or knowledge of user passwords. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain administrative privileges, modify website content, install malicious plugins, access sensitive user data, and potentially use the compromised system as a launching point for further attacks within a network. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of authentication in the CIA triad, undermining the system's ability to verify user identities correctly. The attack surface is particularly concerning because authentication cookies are routinely used in web applications, making this vulnerability applicable across numerous WordPress deployments and increasing the potential for widespread compromise.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately upgrade to WordPress versions 3.7.2 or 3.8.2, whichever applies to their current installation, as these releases contain the necessary patches to address the authentication cookie validation flaw. System administrators should also implement additional monitoring measures to detect suspicious authentication attempts and cookie usage patterns. The mitigation strategy should include regular security audits of WordPress installations, implementation of secure cookie handling practices, and deployment of web application firewalls that can detect and block forged authentication attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and proper authentication mechanisms, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's credential access tactics, where adversaries seek to obtain valid credentials through various exploitation techniques.