CVE-2026-1992 in ExactMetrics Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2026
The ExactMetrics – Google Analytics Dashboard for WordPress plugin is vulnerable to Insecure Direct Object Reference in versions 8.6.0 through 9.0.2. This is due to the `store_settings()` method in the `ExactMetrics_Onboarding` class accepting a user-supplied `triggered_by` parameter that is used instead of the current user's ID to check permissions. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with the `exactmetrics_save_settings` capability to bypass the `install_plugins` capability check by specifying an administrator's user ID in the `triggered_by` parameter, allowing them to install arbitrary plugins and achieve Remote Code Execution. This vulnerability only affects sites on which administrator has given other user types the permission to view reports and can only be exploited by users of that type.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-1992 affects the ExactMetrics Google Analytics Dashboard for WordPress plugin, specifically targeting versions between 8.6.0 and 9.0.2. This represents a critical security flaw that exploits an insecure direct object reference condition, allowing authenticated attackers to escalate their privileges within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and access control mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, creating a pathway for unauthorized privilege escalation and potential remote code execution. The flaw manifests through the `store_settings()` method in the `ExactMetrics_Onboarding` class, which processes user-supplied parameters without adequate sanitization or verification of the requesting user's authorization level.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the plugin's `store_settings()` method accepts a `triggered_by` parameter that should normally be derived from the current authenticated user's ID but instead allows external input to override this critical security check. This parameter is subsequently used in permission verification logic that should require the `install_plugins` capability, but due to the flawed implementation, attackers can specify any valid user ID, including that of an administrator, to bypass the normal permission checks. The vulnerability specifically requires that the target user already possesses the `exactmetrics_save_settings` capability, which is typically granted to users who need to view analytics reports, making it particularly dangerous in environments where non-administrative users are granted access to plugin functionality. This design flaw creates a direct object reference vulnerability classified under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to install arbitrary plugins and potentially achieve full remote code execution within the WordPress environment. The attack vector requires that the target user already has access to the plugin's reporting interface, but once exploited, the vulnerability allows for complete compromise of the affected WordPress installation. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," and T1505.003, which addresses "Server Software Component" exploitation. The vulnerability's effectiveness is limited by the requirement that administrators must have explicitly granted reporting access to non-administrative users, but this limitation does not prevent the exploitation from causing significant damage. Organizations running vulnerable versions of the plugin face potential data breaches, malware installation, and complete system compromise, as the attacker can essentially gain the same privileges as an administrator within the WordPress context.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to the latest version of the ExactMetrics plugin where this vulnerability has been patched, as the vendor has likely implemented proper input validation and access control checks. Administrators should also review and restrict user capabilities within their WordPress installations, ensuring that only trusted users have access to analytics reporting features that could potentially be exploited. The patch should enforce that the `triggered_by` parameter is always validated against the current user's identity rather than accepting arbitrary input, implementing proper access control checks that cannot be bypassed through parameter manipulation. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network-level monitoring to detect unusual plugin installation activities and maintain regular security audits of their WordPress plugin ecosystem. Security teams should also establish privileged access management policies to prevent granting unnecessary capabilities to users who only require reporting access, thereby reducing the attack surface for such vulnerabilities.