CVE-2026-24541 in Download After Email Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/23/2026
Missing Authorization vulnerability in mkscripts Download After Email download-after-email allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Download After Email: from n/a through <= 2.1.9.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-24541 represents a critical missing authorization flaw within the mkscripts Download After Email plugin, specifically affecting versions through 2.1.9. This security weakness stems from incorrectly configured access control security levels that permit unauthorized users to bypass intended restrictions and access protected content. The issue manifests within the download-after-email functionality where proper authentication checks fail to validate user permissions before granting access to downloadable resources. Such a misconfiguration creates a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system and obtain sensitive materials without proper authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the plugin's access control mechanisms that should verify user credentials and permissions before allowing file downloads. When the plugin fails to enforce proper authorization checks, it creates an environment where any user can trigger downloads regardless of their role or access level within the system. This flaw operates at the application layer and directly impacts the principle of least privilege, where users should only have access to resources necessary for their specific functions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues in software systems, and represents a clear violation of access control security principles.
From an operational standpoint, this missing authorization vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing the affected plugin. Attackers can exploit this weakness to download protected files, potentially including sensitive data, proprietary information, or confidential documents that should only be accessible to authorized personnel. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as it may enable further exploitation attempts, including privilege escalation or lateral movement within the system. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the system, undermining trust in the access control mechanisms that should protect sensitive resources. Organizations may experience data breaches, compliance violations, and potential regulatory penalties as a result of this security weakness.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2026-24541 should prioritize immediate implementation of proper authorization controls within the plugin. System administrators must ensure that all access control mechanisms properly validate user credentials and permissions before granting download access. The recommended approach includes updating to the latest version of the download-after-email plugin where this vulnerability has been patched, implementing additional authentication layers, and conducting thorough access control reviews. Security teams should also perform regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar misconfigurations within other system components. The remediation process should follow established security frameworks such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and align with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access. Organizations must also implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts and establish incident response procedures to address potential exploitation of this vulnerability.