CVE-2026-12525 in Redux Framework Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/16/2026
The Redux Framework WordPress plugin before 4.5.13 does not restrict which user meta keys can be written when saving custom profile fields, allowing users with at least the Subscriber role to escalate their privileges to Administrator by submitting a crafted value while updating their own profile, on sites where the Redux Framework WordPress plugin before 4.5.13's user-profile (Users extension) feature is enabled.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/16/2026
The vulnerability in the Redux Framework WordPress plugin affects versions prior to 4.5.13 and represents a critical privilege escalation flaw that directly impacts WordPress site security. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the user-profile extension functionality, specifically when processing custom profile field data. The vulnerability allows users with the minimum Subscriber role to manipulate their own user meta data in ways that can result in elevated privileges. According to CWE-20, this represents a classic input validation weakness where the plugin fails to properly sanitize and restrict user-controlled input before writing it to the WordPress user meta database.
The technical exploitation occurs through the manipulation of user meta keys during profile updates, leveraging the plugin's user-profile feature to inject crafted values that can modify administrative permissions. When a subscriber user submits a specially crafted request to update their profile, the vulnerable code accepts and processes these inputs without proper validation or authorization checks. This creates an environment where malicious actors can potentially escalate from Subscriber level access to full Administrator privileges, effectively compromising the entire WordPress installation. The flaw operates under the principle of insufficient validation and inadequate access control mechanisms that should prevent non-administrative users from modifying critical system data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it can lead to complete site compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Once an attacker achieves Administrator status through this vector, they gain unrestricted access to all WordPress features including plugin management, theme customization, user account manipulation, content modification, and database access. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation tactics, specifically targeting the 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' category. The vulnerability affects any WordPress installation utilizing the Redux Framework plugin with the user-profile extension enabled, making it particularly dangerous due to the widespread adoption of this plugin across various WordPress deployments.
Security mitigation requires immediate patching to version 4.5.13 or later where the input validation has been properly implemented. Organizations should also implement additional monitoring for unusual profile update activities and consider restricting access to the user-profile extension functionality until proper updates are applied. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input sanitization and principle of least privilege in plugin development, as outlined in WordPress security best practices and industry standards for secure coding. Regular security audits of third-party plugins should include validation of data handling procedures and access control mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced into production environments.