CVE-2026-2001 in WowRevenue Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/16/2026
The WowRevenue plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized plugin installation due to a missing capability check in the 'Notice::install_activate_plugin' function in all versions up to, and including, 2.1.3. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level access and above, to install arbitrary plugins on the affected site's server which may make remote code execution possible.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2026
The WowRevenue plugin for WordPress presents a critical security vulnerability that undermines the integrity of WordPress installations through improper access control mechanisms. This flaw exists within the Notice::install_activate_plugin function, which fails to validate user permissions before executing plugin installation operations. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 2.1.3, creating a persistent risk for WordPress sites that have not yet updated to newer releases. The absence of capability checks in this function represents a fundamental breakdown in the plugin's security architecture, allowing unauthorized execution of privileged operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the lack of proper authentication verification within the plugin's core functionality. When an authenticated user with subscriber-level privileges or higher accesses the plugin's installation mechanism, the system does not verify whether the user possesses the necessary administrative rights to install additional plugins. This oversight creates a privilege escalation path where low-privilege users can effectively gain administrative capabilities through the plugin interface. The vulnerability operates at the application level and directly compromises the WordPress plugin management system's security model, which is designed to restrict plugin installation to users with appropriate permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential full system compromise. While the immediate effect allows for plugin installation, the broader implications include the possibility of remote code execution when malicious plugins are installed. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to deploy backdoors, malware, or other malicious software that can persist on the compromised system. The vulnerability affects the entire WordPress ecosystem's trust model, as it enables attackers to bypass standard security controls that are meant to protect against unauthorized modifications to the site's core functionality. This creates a significant risk for websites that host sensitive data or serve as platforms for other services.
Organizations and administrators should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability through plugin updates to versions that include proper capability checks. The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to the latest plugin version where the vulnerability has been patched and the access control mechanisms have been properly implemented. Additionally, administrators should conduct thorough security audits of their WordPress installations to identify any potential exploitation that may have occurred before the patch was applied. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege that is fundamental to secure system design. This issue also maps to ATT&CK technique T1105, which involves the use of remote access tools, as the vulnerability enables attackers to establish persistent access through malicious plugin installation. Regular monitoring of plugin repositories and implementing security measures such as capability verification, user access controls, and automated patch management systems will help prevent similar vulnerabilities from compromising WordPress environments in the future.