CVE-2026-18052 in ManageWP Worker Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/22/2026
The ManageWP Worker WordPress plugin before 4.9.37 does not bind the account being logged in to the signature which authorises the login, nor prevent an already used login link from being replayed, allowing attackers who obtain such a link to gain a session as any user on the site, including an administrator.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/22/2026
The vulnerability identified in ManageWP Worker WordPress plugin versions prior to 4.9.37 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw rooted in flawed cryptographic implementation and state management logic. The core technical deficiency lies in the failure of the application to bind the user account context to the digital signature used for authorization during the login process. In secure systems, when an administrator generates a magic link or temporary access token for remote management, that credential must be cryptographically tied to specific parameters such as the target user ID and session metadata. However, in this vulnerable implementation, the signature validates only the integrity of the request payload without verifying that it corresponds to the intended recipient account. This architectural oversight effectively decouples authentication from authorization, allowing any validly signed login link to be interpreted by the server as an instruction to authenticate a different user than originally intended.
Furthermore, the system lacks mechanisms for single-use enforcement or nonce validation regarding these login links. The absence of replay protection means that once a malicious actor obtains such a link through network interception, phishing, or cross-site scripting attacks on vulnerable sites managed by the plugin, they can reuse this credential indefinitely. There is no expiration tied to first use, nor is there a server-side check to ensure the token has not been previously consumed. This combination of missing binding and lack of replay prevention creates an environment where session hijacking becomes trivial for any attacker with access to network traffic or compromised client environments containing these links.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to the elevated privileges typically associated with ManageWP Worker installations. Since the plugin facilitates remote management of WordPress sites, successful exploitation allows attackers to gain full administrative control over the affected website without needing valid credentials for any specific account. This level of access enables a wide range of malicious activities including data exfiltration, defacement, installation of web shells or backdoors, and pivoting into internal networks if the server is part of a larger infrastructure. The ability to impersonate an administrator also undermines audit trails and accountability measures, as actions taken by attackers will appear to originate from legitimate administrative accounts.
From a classification perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 Improper Authentication because the system fails to properly verify identity before granting access. Additionally, it relates to CWE-345 Insufficient Verification of Data Authenticity due to the failure to bind session context to cryptographic signatures. In terms of attack vectors and tactics, this flaw facilitates ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts as attackers can leverage legitimate-looking credentials or links that were never intended for them. It also supports lateral movement within managed environments if multiple sites are compromised using similar patterns.
Mitigation strategies must prioritize immediate patching to version 4.9.37 or later where these cryptographic and state management flaws have been addressed by the vendor. Until patches can be applied, administrators should restrict network access to ManageWP Worker endpoints via firewall rules or web application firewalls that inspect for unusual authentication patterns. Implementing strict Content Security Policy headers may help mitigate initial vector risks such as cross-site scripting which could lead to link theft. Additionally, enabling multi-factor authentication where supported adds a layer of defense-in-depth, although it does not directly fix the underlying signature binding issue. Regular monitoring of administrative login logs for anomalies can aid in early detection of exploitation attempts targeting this specific weakness.