CVE-2016-10886 in wp-editor Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The wp-editor plugin before 1.2.6 for WordPress has incorrect permissions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2023
The wp-editor plugin vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10886 represents a critical access control flaw that affects WordPress installations using the wp-editor plugin version 1.2.5 or earlier. This issue stems from improper permission handling within the plugin's codebase, creating a pathway for unauthorized users to gain elevated privileges and potentially execute malicious actions on compromised WordPress sites. The vulnerability exists at the core level of the plugin's authentication and authorization mechanisms, where insufficient validation allows users without proper credentials to access restricted administrative functions.
The technical flaw manifests through improper implementation of user role checks and permission validation routines within the plugin's core functionality. Attackers can exploit this weakness by leveraging the incorrect permission model to bypass standard WordPress access controls, potentially gaining access to administrative panels, file upload capabilities, and other sensitive operations. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-284, which describes improper access control in software systems where insufficient authorization checks allow unauthorized access to protected resources. The flaw operates by failing to properly verify user privileges before executing privileged operations, creating a direct attack vector for privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can enable attackers to completely compromise WordPress installations and potentially use them as stepping stones for broader network infiltration. Once exploited, attackers can modify website content, inject malicious code, steal sensitive data, or even establish persistent backdoors within the compromised environment. The vulnerability's exploitation risk is particularly high because it affects the plugin's core functionality without requiring complex attack chains or advanced technical knowledge. Organizations running vulnerable versions face significant exposure to data breaches, website defacement, and potential use as part of larger attack campaigns targeting WordPress ecosystems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10886 require immediate action including updating the wp-editor plugin to version 1.2.6 or later, which contains the necessary permission fixes. System administrators should also implement comprehensive monitoring of plugin usage and access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include thorough vulnerability scanning of all WordPress installations to identify other potentially affected plugins or components. Organizations should consider implementing additional security measures such as web application firewalls, regular security audits, and principle of least privilege access controls to minimize the impact of similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and proper access control implementations in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1548 for abuse of privileges.