CVE-2026-1336 in AI ChatBot with ChatGPT and Content Generator Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/03/2026
The AI ChatBot with ChatGPT and Content Generator by AYS plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access and modification of data due to missing capability checks on the store_data() and get_chatgpt_api_key() functions in all versions up to, and including, 2.7.5. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to view, modify or delete the plugin's ChatGPT API key. The vulnerability was partially fixed in version 2.7.5 and fully fixed in version 2.7.6
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-1336 affects the AI ChatBot with ChatGPT and Content Generator plugin for WordPress, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive data. This issue stems from insufficient authorization controls within the plugin's core functionality, specifically targeting two critical functions: store_data() and get_chatgpt_api_key(). The flaw exists in all versions up to and including 2.7.5, creating a persistent risk for WordPress installations that utilize this plugin. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-863, which addresses "Incorrect Authorization" in software systems where proper access control mechanisms are absent or improperly implemented.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the absence of capability checks that should normally verify user permissions before allowing data manipulation or retrieval operations. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute unauthorized actions against the plugin's ChatGPT API key storage mechanism without requiring authentication credentials. The store_data() function allows malicious actors to modify stored data while get_chatgpt_api_key() enables unauthorized retrieval of the API key, potentially compromising the entire ChatGPT integration. This represents a classic privilege escalation scenario where unauthenticated users gain access to administrative functions typically restricted to authorized personnel. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, affecting the WordPress plugin architecture and exposing sensitive configuration data that should remain protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, potentially enabling attackers to fully compromise the ChatGPT integration within affected WordPress sites. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could modify the API key to redirect all ChatGPT interactions to a malicious endpoint, effectively creating a man-in-the-middle attack vector. Additionally, the ability to delete the API key would render the plugin completely non-functional, potentially causing service disruption. The risk assessment indicates this vulnerability could be exploited remotely without requiring any authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible WordPress installations. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which addresses "Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts" but in this case represents a flaw in the authentication mechanism rather than legitimate account compromise.
Organizations using affected plugin versions should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to version 2.7.6 or later, which contains the complete fix for this vulnerability. The partial fix implemented in version 2.7.5 likely addressed some aspects but failed to provide comprehensive protection against all attack vectors. Security administrators should also review existing API key configurations and consider rotating keys as a precautionary measure. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in API key usage that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of implementing proper input validation and access control checks in web applications, particularly when handling sensitive configuration data. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their WordPress plugin ecosystem to identify similar vulnerabilities that might exist in other third-party components. This incident underscores the critical need for regular security updates and the implementation of defense-in-depth strategies to protect against unauthorized access to sensitive system components.