CVE-2026-1298 in Easy Replace Image Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/28/2026
The Easy Replace Image plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Missing Authorization in all versions up to, and including, 3.5.2. This is due to missing capability checks on the `image_replacement_from_url` function that is hooked to the `eri_from_url` AJAX action. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Contributor-level access and above, to replace arbitrary image attachments on the site with images from external URLs, potentially enabling site defacement, phishing attacks, or content manipulation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2026
The Easy Replace Image plugin for WordPress presents a critical authorization vulnerability that affects versions up to and including 3.5.2. This flaw resides in the plugin's handling of image replacement functionality through the `image_replacement_from_url` function which is improperly exposed via the `eri_from_url` AJAX action. The vulnerability stems from the absence of proper capability checks that should validate user permissions before executing sensitive operations. Attackers with Contributor-level access or higher can exploit this weakness to manipulate media assets across the WordPress installation. The missing authorization mechanism creates a path for unauthorized modification of existing images, fundamentally undermining the integrity of the site's media library and potentially enabling broader compromise of the content management system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic authorization bypass flaw that aligns with CWE-862, which describes insufficient authorization checks in software systems. The plugin's AJAX endpoint lacks proper validation of user capabilities before allowing image replacement operations to proceed. This allows authenticated users to submit requests that target any existing image attachment within the WordPress media library, regardless of their ownership or the original image's context. The flaw operates at the application layer where user permissions are not properly enforced during critical operations, creating a scenario where privilege escalation occurs through legitimate plugin functionality. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages existing WordPress user roles and capabilities, making it difficult to detect through standard security monitoring systems that might not specifically track plugin-level authorization issues.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple content manipulation to encompass significant security risks for WordPress sites utilizing the affected plugin. Attackers can leverage this flaw to deface websites by replacing critical images with malicious content, potentially including phishing materials or malware distribution points. The ability to modify existing image attachments creates opportunities for attackers to corrupt site integrity and manipulate user trust. Additionally, the vulnerability enables content manipulation that could affect SEO rankings, user experience, and overall site credibility. The unauthorized replacement of images can also serve as a vector for more sophisticated attacks, such as credential harvesting through image-based phishing or as part of broader site compromise strategies. This vulnerability directly impacts the availability and integrity of information within WordPress installations, making it a serious concern for content publishers and site administrators.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the authorization flaw, as this represents the most direct solution to the identified weakness. Administrators should also implement additional security measures including restricting user roles and capabilities to minimize the impact of potential exploitation, particularly for users with Contributor-level access or higher. Network-level monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual AJAX requests targeting image replacement functionality, as this could serve as an indicator of exploitation attempts. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by reviewing and limiting user permissions where possible, ensuring that only users with legitimate need for image replacement operations have access to the affected functionality. Security teams should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates for all WordPress plugins and themes, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components to prevent exploitation of known authorization flaws. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their WordPress installations to identify similar authorization gaps in other plugins and themes that might present comparable risks to their digital infrastructure.