CVE-2026-2633 in Gutenberg Blocks with AI by Kadence WP Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/18/2026
The Gutenberg Blocks with AI by Kadence WP plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Missing Authorization in all versions up to, and including, 3.6.1. This is due to a missing capability check in the `process_image_data_ajax_callback()` function which handles the `kadence_import_process_image_data` AJAX action. The function's authorization check via `verify_ajax_call()` only validates `edit_posts` capability but fails to check for the `upload_files` capability. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Contributor-level access and above, to upload arbitrary images from remote URLs to the WordPress Media Library, bypassing the standard WordPress capability restriction that prevents Contributors from uploading files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/18/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-2633 affects the Gutenberg Blocks with AI by Kadence WP plugin for WordPress, representing a critical authorization flaw that undermines the platform's core security model. This issue exists in all versions up to and including 3.6.1, creating a persistent risk for WordPress installations that utilize this plugin. The flaw stems from an insufficient capability validation mechanism within the plugin's AJAX handling system, specifically within the `process_image_data_ajax_callback()` function that manages the `kadence_import_process_image_data` action. The vulnerability directly impacts WordPress's permission architecture by allowing unauthorized file operations that should be restricted to users with appropriate privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a clear failure in the plugin's authorization logic where the `verify_ajax_call()` function performs only a partial capability check. While this function correctly validates the `edit_posts` capability, it neglects to verify the `upload_files` capability that is essential for media file operations within WordPress. This oversight creates a privilege escalation vector where users with Contributor-level access or higher can bypass the standard WordPress file upload restrictions that typically prevent Contributors from uploading media files to the media library. The flaw operates at the intersection of WordPress's role-based access control system and the plugin's AJAX endpoint handling, creating an exploitable gap in the security model.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it represents a fundamental breach in WordPress's security boundaries. An authenticated attacker with Contributor privileges can leverage this vulnerability to inject arbitrary images from remote URLs directly into the WordPress Media Library, potentially enabling further attack vectors such as malicious file delivery, social engineering campaigns, or even the establishment of persistent access points through image-based payloads. This capability allows attackers to circumvent standard WordPress security controls that are designed to prevent lower-privilege users from performing file operations, effectively undermining the principle of least privilege that governs WordPress user management. The vulnerability also creates potential for content injection attacks where malicious images could be used to deliver cross-site scripting payloads or other malicious content through the media library.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-863, which describes "Incorrect Authorization" and specifically relates to situations where access control checks are improperly implemented. The flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004, "Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts," as it allows attackers to escalate privileges through legitimate user accounts that should not have file upload capabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security implementation practices where developers failed to properly validate all necessary capabilities before permitting sensitive operations. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including plugin updates to versions that address this authorization gap, and consider implementing additional monitoring for unauthorized file uploads in the WordPress media library. The security implications extend to the broader WordPress ecosystem, as this type of vulnerability can serve as a foothold for more sophisticated attacks and demonstrates the importance of proper capability validation in plugin development practices.
The remediation approach must include immediate patching of the plugin to version 3.6.2 or later, which addresses the missing authorization check in the `process_image_data_ajax_callback()` function. Security administrators should also implement monitoring solutions that track unauthorized file upload activities within the WordPress media library and consider implementing additional access controls that restrict AJAX endpoint access based on more granular capability checks. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their WordPress installations to identify similar authorization flaws in other plugins and themes, as this vulnerability type represents a common pattern in WordPress plugin development where developers overlook the full scope of required capabilities for sensitive operations.