CVE-2026-22517 in GA4WP Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/08/2026
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Passionate Brains GA4WP: Google Analytics for WordPress allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects GA4WP: Google Analytics for WordPress: from n/a through 2.10.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-22517 represents a critical missing authorization flaw within the Passionate Brains GA4WP: Google Analytics for WordPress plugin, which operates under the CWE-284 access control weakness classification. This vulnerability stems from incorrectly configured access control security levels that permit unauthorized users to exploit functionality intended for administrators only. The affected plugin version range extends from the initial release through 2.10.0, indicating a prolonged period during which this security gap existed, potentially exposing numerous WordPress installations to exploitation. The flaw specifically manifests when the plugin fails to properly verify user permissions before executing administrative functions, creating a pathway for attackers to perform actions that should be restricted to authorized personnel.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to bypass standard authentication mechanisms by exploiting insufficient access control checks within the plugin's codebase. When users with insufficient privileges attempt to access administrative features or modify analytics configurations, the plugin does not properly validate their authorization levels, enabling unauthorized modifications to Google Analytics tracking settings. This misconfiguration creates a persistent security risk where any authenticated user, regardless of their role within the WordPress system, can potentially manipulate core analytics functionality. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through various attack vectors including direct API calls or manipulation of administrative interfaces that lack proper permission verification.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can enable attackers to manipulate tracking data, modify analytics configurations, and potentially exfiltrate sensitive information from the WordPress installation. Attackers could use this flaw to disable tracking, redirect analytics data to malicious endpoints, or modify tracking codes to harvest additional user data. The consequences are particularly severe for organizations relying on accurate analytics data for business decisions, as compromised tracking configurations could lead to data integrity issues and potential regulatory compliance violations. This vulnerability also provides attackers with a foothold for further exploitation, as compromised analytics configurations may serve as a stepping stone for more extensive attacks within the WordPress environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2026-22517 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the authorization flaw, while implementing additional security measures to reduce the attack surface. Organizations should conduct thorough access control reviews to ensure that user roles and permissions are properly configured within WordPress installations, adhering to the principle of least privilege. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns or unauthorized modifications to analytics configurations. Security hardening measures including the implementation of web application firewalls and regular security audits of WordPress plugins can help prevent exploitation of similar authorization flaws. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of maintaining current security practices including regular plugin updates, proper access control configuration, and adherence to security frameworks such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework.