CVE-2026-22203 in wpDiscuz
Summary
by MITRE • 03/13/2026
wpDiscuz before 7.6.47 contains an information disclosure vulnerability that allows administrators to inadvertently expose OAuth secrets by exporting plugin options as JSON. Attackers can obtain exported files containing plaintext API secrets like fbAppSecret, googleClientSecret, twitterAppSecret, and other social login credentials from support tickets, backups, or version control repositories.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2026
This vulnerability exists within the wpDiscuz plugin for wordpress systems prior to version 7.6.47 and represents a critical information disclosure flaw that directly violates security principles of least privilege and data protection. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of sensitive configuration data during the export process, where administrative users can inadvertently expose confidential OAuth secrets through JSON export functionality. This flaw falls under CWE-200, Information Exposure, and specifically manifests as CWE-540, Inclusion of Sensitive Information in Source Code, when exported configurations contain plaintext credentials. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to obtain sensitive API secrets including facebook application secrets, google client secrets, and twitter application secrets that are typically stored in the plugin's configuration files. These exported files can be found in various insecure locations such as support tickets, backup archives, version control repositories, or other administrative data stores, creating multiple attack vectors for threat actors to exploit.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows for unauthorized access to plaintext credentials through what should be a routine administrative export function. When administrators use the plugin's export feature to save configuration settings, the system fails to properly sanitize or remove sensitive fields from the exported JSON data structure. This creates a scenario where OAuth secrets that are normally protected within the plugin's internal configuration storage become accessible in plaintext format within the exported data files. The operational impact is significant because these credentials can be used by attackers to impersonate legitimate applications, gain unauthorized access to social media platforms, and potentially escalate privileges within the compromised wordpress environment. The vulnerability is classified under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as T1552.001, Unsecured Credentials, and specifically relates to T1552, Credential Access, where attackers can obtain credentials through insecure data handling practices. The exposure occurs because the plugin does not implement proper data classification or redaction mechanisms during export operations, allowing sensitive information to flow through administrative interfaces without appropriate security controls.
The security implications extend beyond simple credential theft to encompass potential privilege escalation and broader system compromise. Attackers who obtain these OAuth secrets can leverage them to authenticate as the compromised wordpress site on social platforms, potentially leading to account takeovers, content manipulation, or data exfiltration. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where multiple administrators have access to the plugin configuration, as any user with administrative privileges can inadvertently expose these secrets through the export function. Organizations using wpDiscuz versions prior to 7.6.47 face significant risk of credential compromise, especially in environments where backup files or version control systems are not properly secured. The flaw represents a failure in proper input validation and output sanitization, where the system does not adequately distinguish between public and private configuration parameters during data export operations. This vulnerability is also relevant to compliance frameworks such as pci dss and hipaa, where proper handling of sensitive data is mandatory, and exposure of API secrets could constitute regulatory violations. The recommended mitigation involves immediate upgrade to wpDiscuz version 7.6.47 or later, which implements proper data sanitization during export operations and ensures that sensitive credentials are not included in exported configuration files. Additionally, organizations should implement proper access controls, audit administrative export activities, and conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins and systems.