CVE-2024-49273 in ProfileGrid Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/21/2024
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Metagauss ProfileGrid profilegrid-user-profiles-groups-and-communities.This issue affects ProfileGrid : from n/a through <= 5.9.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-49273 represents a critical missing authorization flaw within the Metagauss ProfileGrid plugin, specifically impacting the profilegrid-user-profiles-groups-and-communities component. This issue manifests as an insufficient access control mechanism that allows unauthorized users to perform actions they should not be permitted to execute within the plugin's functionality. The vulnerability affects all versions of the ProfileGrid plugin from the initial release through version 5.9.3, indicating a prolonged exposure window where systems could be compromised without proper authorization checks.
The technical nature of this missing authorization vulnerability aligns with CWE-863, which describes the situation where an actor is able to access resources or perform operations for which they lack proper authorization. This weakness typically occurs when the application fails to verify that the requesting user has sufficient privileges to access specific functionality or data. In the context of ProfileGrid, this could enable attackers to manipulate user profiles, access restricted group information, or perform administrative actions without proper authentication or authorization. The vulnerability exploits the absence of proper access control validation within the plugin's codebase, allowing malicious actors to bypass intended security boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it creates potential entry points for attackers to gain unauthorized access to user data and community management features. Attackers could potentially manipulate user profiles, access private group communications, or modify community settings without proper credentials. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the plugin's user management features. The exposure affects not only individual user data but also the overall security posture of websites utilizing the ProfileGrid plugin, particularly those managing user communities and group-based access control systems. The vulnerability could enable attackers to escalate privileges and gain deeper access to the underlying WordPress installation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-49273 should prioritize immediate action including updating to the latest version of ProfileGrid where the authorization checks have been properly implemented. System administrators should also conduct thorough access control reviews to ensure that all user roles have appropriate permissions and that no unauthorized access pathways exist. The implementation of proper input validation and access control mechanisms should be enforced across all plugin components. Additionally, monitoring and logging of user activities within the plugin should be enhanced to detect any unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and additional authentication layers to reduce the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper authorization implementation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and unauthorized access. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar authorization gaps in other plugins and custom code implementations.