CVE-2022-4169 in Theme and Plugin Translation for Polylang
Summary
by MITRE • 11/28/2022
The Theme and plugin translation for Polylang is vulnerable to authorization bypass in versions up to, and including, 3.2.16 due to missing capability checks in the process_polylang_theme_translation_wp_loaded() function. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to update plugin and theme translation settings and to import translation strings.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-4169 affects the Polylang plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions up to and including 3.2.16. This authorization bypass flaw exists within the process_polylang_theme_translation_wp_loaded() function, which is responsible for handling theme and plugin translation processes. The absence of proper capability checks in this critical function creates a significant security gap that allows unauthorized actors to manipulate translation settings without proper authentication. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it directly impacts the core functionality of multilingual website management, where translation settings are fundamental to content delivery and user experience. The flaw represents a classic case of insufficient access control, where the system fails to verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary privileges to perform translation-related operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the lack of capability validation within the WordPress plugin architecture. When the process_polylang_theme_translation_wp_loaded() function executes, it should verify that the requesting user has appropriate permissions such as 'manage_options' or 'edit_plugins' before allowing translation updates or imports. However, the function operates without these essential checks, enabling any visitor to the website to submit requests that modify translation configurations. This design flaw aligns with CWE-284, which addresses inadequate access control mechanisms, and demonstrates how missing authorization checks can create pathways for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the WordPress loading phase, meaning it can be exploited during normal website operations without requiring special conditions or complex attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with the ability to modify translation settings that can significantly alter website functionality and user experience. An attacker could potentially import malicious translation strings that redirect users to phishing sites, inject harmful content, or disrupt multilingual navigation. The ability to update plugin and theme translation settings also means that attackers could interfere with legitimate translation processes, potentially causing website downtime or content corruption. This vulnerability particularly affects WordPress sites that rely heavily on multilingual content management, where translation integrity is crucial for maintaining user trust and business operations. The impact is amplified in environments where multiple users manage content, as the vulnerability could be exploited to silently modify translation configurations without detection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-4169 should prioritize immediate patching of the Polylang plugin to version 3.2.17 or later, which contains the necessary capability checks. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as monitoring for unauthorized changes to translation settings and reviewing user capabilities regularly. The WordPress security team recommends enabling two-factor authentication and restricting access to administrative functions through IP whitelisting where possible. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious requests targeting translation endpoints. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1078 Valid Accounts and T1546 Persistence, as attackers could use this flaw to establish unauthorized access and maintain control over multilingual website configurations. Regular security audits of plugin installations and capability assignments should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the WordPress ecosystem.