CVE-2026-115237 in Grand Job Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/09/2026
The Grand Job WordPress plugin through 1.2.1 does not correctly verify the password reset code before updating a user's password, allowing unauthenticated attackers to set the password of arbitrary accounts, including administrators, and fully take over the site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2026
The vulnerability identified in the Grand Job WordPress plugin versions up to 1.2.1 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw rooted in improper verification logic during the password reset workflow. In standard secure implementations, when a user initiates a password change via email or token-based mechanisms, the system must validate that the provided reset code matches the one generated and stored for that specific session before allowing any modification to credentials. However, this plugin fails to enforce strict validation of the password reset code against the expected value associated with the target account. This logical error creates an opening where the integrity check is effectively skipped or bypassed, allowing the application to accept arbitrary input as a valid credential update request without confirming its authenticity.
From a technical perspective, this flaw constitutes a classic case of broken access control combined with insufficient verification of user inputs during state-changing operations. The absence of proper cryptographic validation means that an attacker does not need prior knowledge of the reset token or any form of authentication to exploit the endpoint responsible for updating passwords. By manipulating HTTP requests sent to the password update API, which is typically exposed through AJAX handlers in WordPress plugins, attackers can inject arbitrary user identifiers and new password values directly into the request payload. Since the backend logic does not cross-reference these inputs with a valid, time-bound reset token stored securely on the server side, it proceeds to execute the database write operation, thereby overwriting existing credentials without authorization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its unauthenticated nature and broad scope. Attackers can target any user account within the WordPress installation, ranging from low-level subscribers to high-privilege administrators. By resetting the password of an administrator account, a threat actor gains full control over the website's backend interface. This level of access allows for complete compromise of the web application environment, including the ability to install malicious plugins or themes, deface public-facing content, exfiltrate sensitive database information such as user personal data and financial records, and potentially pivot into other systems within the organization's network if shared credentials are used elsewhere. The ease of exploitation further exacerbates the risk, as it requires no special privileges or complex setup from the attacker.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which describes Improper Authentication, specifically regarding the failure to verify identity before granting access to protected resources. It also maps closely to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1098, Account Manipulation, particularly the subtechnique of adding credentials such as SSH keys or API tokens for persistent access, although in this context it manifests primarily through credential replacement via password reset abuse. The lack of multi-factor verification during sensitive administrative actions violates fundamental security principles outlined in OWASP guidelines regarding authentication and session management best practices.
To mitigate this risk immediately, site administrators should update the Grand Job plugin to version 1.2.2 or later where the vendor has presumably addressed the validation logic. In environments where immediate patching is not feasible due to compatibility concerns, temporary mitigation strategies include restricting access to WordPress admin endpoints via IP whitelisting if possible, implementing a Web Application Firewall rule that monitors for anomalous patterns in password reset requests such as rapid successive attempts or unusual parameter structures, and ensuring that all user accounts utilize strong, unique passwords. Additionally, enabling two-factor authentication across the platform adds an essential layer of defense-in-depth, ensuring that even if credentials are compromised through this vulnerability, unauthorized access remains blocked without the secondary verification factor. Regular security audits and code reviews focusing on input validation in sensitive API endpoints can prevent similar logical flaws from being introduced in future updates or custom developments.