CVE-2026-24604 in Simple GDPR Cookie Compliance Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/23/2026
Missing Authorization vulnerability in themebeez Simple GDPR Cookie Compliance simple-gdpr-cookie-compliance allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Simple GDPR Cookie Compliance: from n/a through <= 2.0.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-24604 represents a critical missing authorization flaw within the themebeez Simple GDPR Cookie Compliance plugin for WordPress systems. This security weakness stems from incorrectly configured access control security levels that permit unauthorized users to manipulate cookie compliance settings without proper authentication. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions of the plugin ranging from the initial release through version 2.0.0, indicating a widespread exposure across multiple iterations of the software. The affected plugin is designed to help websites comply with GDPR regulations by managing cookie consent banners and user preferences, making this authorization bypass particularly concerning for data protection compliance.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through improper access control checks within the plugin's administrative interfaces and configuration endpoints. Attackers can exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access to cookie compliance settings, potentially allowing them to modify consent management parameters, disable cookie tracking mechanisms, or manipulate user preference storage. This misconfiguration falls under the CWE-284 access control weakness category, specifically addressing inadequate authorization controls that permit unauthorized access to protected resources. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple configuration changes as it undermines the fundamental security posture of websites relying on the plugin for GDPR compliance.
Operationally, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations using the affected plugin, as it allows malicious actors to compromise cookie consent management systems that are critical for regulatory compliance. The unauthorized modification of cookie settings could lead to non-compliance with GDPR requirements, potentially resulting in substantial financial penalties and legal consequences. Additionally, attackers might disable cookie tracking mechanisms entirely, which could be used to evade monitoring systems or hide malicious activities within the compromised website. The vulnerability also presents opportunities for attackers to manipulate user consent data, potentially leading to data collection practices that violate user privacy expectations and regulatory requirements.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the authorization flaw, as well as comprehensive security audits of affected systems. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access control measures to limit administrative privileges to only necessary personnel. The implementation of web application firewalls and security monitoring solutions can help detect unauthorized access attempts to cookie compliance settings. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar authorization flaws in other plugins and website components. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 legitimate credentials for unauthorized access and demonstrates the importance of proper access control implementation in security-critical applications.