CVE-2022-4501 in Mega Addons Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/15/2022
The Mega Addons plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to authorization bypass due to a missing capability check on the vc_saving_data function in versions up to, and including, 4.3.0. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level permissions and above, to update the plugin's settings.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-4501 affects the Mega Addons plugin for WordPress, representing a critical authorization bypass flaw that undermines the security model of the affected platform. This issue stems from a fundamental failure in access control implementation within the plugin's codebase, specifically targeting the vc_saving_data function that handles plugin configuration updates. The vulnerability exists in versions up to and including 4.3.0, indicating a widespread exposure across a significant portion of the plugin's user base. The flaw allows authenticated attackers who possess subscriber-level permissions or higher to exploit the system and modify core plugin settings without proper authorization.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability can be classified as a missing capability check, which is a well-documented weakness in software security architecture. According to CWE classification, this represents a specific instance of CWE-284: Improper Access Control, where insufficient checks prevent unauthorized users from performing privileged operations. The vc_saving_data function fails to validate whether the requesting user possesses the necessary administrative privileges required to modify plugin configurations, creating an exploitable gap in the authorization framework. This missing validation occurs at the application logic level where user permissions should be rigorously enforced before any sensitive operations are permitted.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the WordPress installation's plugin management system. An attacker with subscriber-level access can potentially manipulate plugin settings to disable security features, modify content, or even establish persistent access points within the affected system. The implications are particularly concerning given that subscribers typically represent the lowest privilege level of authenticated users, making this vulnerability accessible to anyone who can register for an account on the WordPress site. This access could enable attackers to conduct further reconnaissance, modify plugin behavior to hide malicious activities, or create backdoors for continued unauthorized access.
The vulnerability aligns with several tactics outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and persistence. Attackers could leverage this flaw to move laterally within the system, potentially gaining access to higher-privilege accounts or using the compromised plugin settings to establish more sophisticated attack vectors. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that WordPress plugins often serve as critical components in the overall security posture of a website, making unauthorized modifications particularly dangerous. Organizations relying on the Mega Addons plugin without proper patch management or monitoring systems could face significant security breaches, as the vulnerability allows for unauthorized configuration changes that may go unnoticed for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 4.3.1 or later, which contains the necessary capability checks to prevent unauthorized access. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring of plugin configuration changes and establish automated alerting for any modifications to critical settings. Additionally, implementing role-based access controls within WordPress itself can provide an additional layer of protection by limiting the scope of actions available to lower-privilege users. Organizations should also consider conducting regular security audits of installed plugins, ensuring that all third-party components undergo proper security assessment before deployment. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust security monitoring practices to detect and respond to unauthorized system modifications effectively.