CVE-2026-22426 in Sweet Jane Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/22/2026
Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key vulnerability in Elated-Themes Sweet Jane sweetjane allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Sweet Jane: from n/a through <= 1.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/28/2026
The CVE-2026-22426 vulnerability represents a critical authorization bypass flaw within the Elated-Themes Sweet Jane sweetjane WordPress theme, specifically impacting versions from the initial release through version 1.2. This vulnerability stems from incorrectly configured access control security levels that allow unauthorized users to manipulate authentication mechanisms through user-controlled key parameters. The flaw resides in the theme's improper handling of access control checks, creating a pathway for attackers to bypass legitimate authorization protocols and gain elevated privileges within the affected system.
This authorization bypass vulnerability operates through user-controlled key manipulation, where malicious actors can exploit improperly validated input parameters to manipulate the authentication flow. The issue manifests when the theme fails to properly validate or sanitize user-provided keys that should normally be restricted to authorized administrative users. The vulnerability's technical implementation likely involves the theme's handling of session management, token validation, or permission checks where user-controllable variables directly influence access control decisions. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-285: Improper Authorization, which specifically addresses situations where the system fails to properly enforce access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, modify sensitive data, or completely compromise the WordPress installation. An attacker exploiting this flaw could gain administrative access to the website, enabling them to install malware, steal sensitive information, modify content, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's scope is particularly concerning as it affects a widely used WordPress theme, potentially exposing numerous websites to unauthorized access. The attack vector typically involves manipulating URL parameters or form inputs that control access permissions, allowing unauthenticated users to assume administrative roles within the compromised system.
Security professionals should prioritize immediate mitigation of this vulnerability through patch updates to the Sweet Jane theme, as the affected versions contain no built-in protections against unauthorized access control bypass. The recommended remediation approach includes upgrading to the latest available version of the theme that addresses the authorization bypass flaw, along with implementing additional security controls such as web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious access patterns. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and ensure proper access control configurations are implemented across all WordPress installations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078: Valid Accounts, as it allows attackers to leverage manipulated access control mechanisms to gain unauthorized system access without requiring legitimate credentials. The vulnerability's persistence and potential for widespread impact make it a critical concern for WordPress administrators and security teams managing multiple website installations.