CVE-2026-2446 in PowerPack for LearnDash Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/06/2026
The PowerPack for LearnDash WordPress plugin before 1.3.0 does not have authorization and CRSF checks in an AJAX action, allowing unauthenticated users to update arbitrary WordPress options (such as default_role etc) and create arbitrary admin users
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-2446 affects the PowerPack for LearnDash WordPress plugin version 1.3.0 and earlier, presenting a critical security risk through the absence of proper authorization and CSRF protection mechanisms within its AJAX handler. This flaw enables unauthenticated attackers to exploit the plugin's functionality and execute arbitrary actions on the affected WordPress installation. The vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's AJAX endpoint which lacks sufficient validation checks, creating an attack vector that bypasses standard WordPress security controls. According to CWE-352, this represents a Cross-Site Request Forgery vulnerability where the application fails to verify the authenticity of requests originating from authorized users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to implement proper nonce verification and user authentication checks before processing AJAX requests. When an attacker sends a malicious request to the vulnerable AJAX endpoint, the plugin processes the request without validating whether the user has appropriate permissions or if the request originates from a legitimate source. This oversight allows unauthorized parties to manipulate WordPress core settings through the update_option WordPress function, potentially changing critical system parameters such as default_role which determines the default user role assigned to new registrations. The vulnerability also permits the creation of arbitrary administrator accounts, effectively granting attackers full control over the WordPress installation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with complete administrative access to the compromised WordPress site. An attacker can modify fundamental system configurations, alter user permissions, and establish persistent backdoors through the creation of new administrator accounts. This vulnerability essentially transforms any unauthenticated visitor into a potential administrator, bypassing all standard WordPress authentication mechanisms. The implications extend beyond simple privilege escalation, as attackers can modify content, install malicious plugins, access sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised site as a launchpad for further attacks against other systems within the network. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1078 Valid Accounts and T1548.002 Account Manipulation, enabling adversaries to establish and maintain persistent access through legitimate administrative accounts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2026-2446 require immediate action to upgrade the PowerPack for LearnDash plugin to version 1.3.0 or later, where the authorization and CSRF checks have been properly implemented. Administrators should also conduct thorough security audits of their WordPress installations to identify any unauthorized administrative accounts that may have been created through this vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious AJAX requests, enabling two-factor authentication for all administrative accounts, and regularly reviewing user account permissions and activity logs. Organizations should also consider implementing security headers and Content Security Policies to further protect against CSRF attacks. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper input validation and authentication checks in web applications, particularly in plugin architectures where third-party code can introduce security weaknesses into otherwise secure systems. Regular security assessments and keeping all WordPress components updated remain essential practices to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.