CVE-2026-16300 in ChamaWP Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/03/2026
The ChamaWP WordPress plugin before 1.0.13 does not properly validate a password reset request, allowing unauthenticated attackers to reset the password of arbitrary users, including administrators, which could lead to a full site takeover.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/03/2026
The ChamaWP WordPress plugin vulnerability represents a critical authentication flaw that undermines the security posture of affected WordPress installations. This weakness exists in versions prior to 1.0.13 and stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the password reset functionality. The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to exploit the password reset mechanism without proper authorization, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to user accounts. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables attackers to target administrator accounts specifically, which would provide them with elevated privileges and complete control over the affected website. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of insufficient authentication validation as defined by CWE-287, where the system fails to properly verify the identity of users attempting administrative actions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the plugin's password reset endpoint accepts requests without requiring proper authentication tokens or verification mechanisms. Attackers can craft malicious requests that bypass normal authentication flows, enabling them to force password resets for any user account within the WordPress installation. The lack of input validation and proper session management creates an environment where unauthorized individuals can manipulate the password recovery process. This flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which describes social engineering tactics including credential harvesting through manipulated password reset mechanisms. The vulnerability essentially removes the security boundary that should exist between legitimate users and administrative functions, allowing any attacker to potentially escalate privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple account compromise, as it provides attackers with a direct route to full site takeover. Once an administrator's password is reset, attackers gain complete control over the WordPress backend, enabling them to modify content, install malicious plugins, alter user permissions, and potentially use the compromised site as a launchpad for further attacks against other systems. The vulnerability can be exploited through automated tools that iterate through user accounts or by targeting specific high-value accounts such as administrators. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on WordPress platforms, as the attack surface expands to include not just the website itself but potentially the entire network infrastructure if the compromised site is used for additional malicious activities.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate remediation through plugin updates to version 1.0.13 or later, which addresses the password reset validation issue. Organizations must also implement additional security measures including rate limiting on password reset requests, monitoring for unusual authentication patterns, and enforcing multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious password reset requests, while regular security audits should verify that all plugins and themes maintain proper authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and authentication controls as outlined in OWASP Top 10 A07:2021-Identification and Authentication Failures, emphasizing that weak authentication systems create pathways for unauthorized access to critical system functions.