CVE-2024-1641 in Accordion Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/09/2024
The Accordion plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access of data and modification of data due to a missing capability check on the 'accordions_duplicate_post_as_draft' function in all versions up to, and including, 2.2.96. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with contributor access and above, to duplicate arbitrary posts, allowing access to the contents of password-protected posts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2026
The Accordion plugin for WordPress presents a critical authorization vulnerability that undermines the security posture of affected installations. This vulnerability stems from a missing capability check within the 'accordions_duplicate_post_as_draft' function, which operates across all versions up to and including 2.2.96. The flaw allows authenticated attackers who possess contributor-level privileges or higher to exploit the plugin's functionality without proper authorization. The vulnerability specifically targets the duplication mechanism that should normally be restricted to users with appropriate permissions, creating an unauthorized access vector that extends beyond typical content management boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the plugin's insufficient access control validation during post duplication operations. When an authenticated user with contributor access attempts to duplicate a post through the plugin's interface, the system fails to verify whether the user possesses the necessary capabilities to perform such an action. This missing capability check creates a privilege escalation path where users can manipulate the duplication function to access content they should not normally be able to view or modify. The flaw is particularly concerning because it allows access to password-protected posts, which typically require specific authorization levels to view their contents, yet the vulnerability bypasses these protections entirely.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data modification capabilities and information disclosure risks. Attackers with contributor privileges can duplicate any post within the WordPress installation, including those containing sensitive information or protected content. This functionality enables them to access the contents of password-protected posts, effectively bypassing the intended security controls that protect such content from unauthorized users. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly, allowing attackers to gather intelligence about protected content, potentially modify duplicated posts, and maintain access to restricted information within the WordPress environment.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-863, which addresses "Incorrect Authorization" in software systems, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege. The issue also maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers "Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts" and demonstrates how authenticated users can leverage their access rights to perform unauthorized actions within applications. Organizations running affected WordPress installations face significant risks including potential data breaches, unauthorized content modification, and exposure of sensitive information that should remain protected. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that contributors typically have substantial access to content management functions, making this a particularly dangerous flaw in collaborative environments where multiple users require different levels of access control.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate patching of the Accordion plugin to version 2.2.97 or later, which addresses the missing capability check in the duplication function. Organizations should also implement additional access control measures, including regular privilege reviews, monitoring of post duplication activities, and ensuring that only users with legitimate business needs have contributor or higher access levels. Security teams should conduct comprehensive audits of all installed plugins to identify similar authorization flaws and establish automated monitoring systems that can detect unauthorized post duplication attempts. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls at the application level can provide defense-in-depth measures that limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities even when they are present in the system.