CVE-2026-27042 in NotificationX Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/19/2026
Missing Authorization vulnerability in WPDeveloper NotificationX notificationx allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects NotificationX: from n/a through <= 3.2.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/19/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-27042 represents a critical missing authorization flaw within the WPDeveloper NotificationX plugin, specifically impacting versions ranging from the initial release through version 3.2.1. This security weakness resides in the plugin's access control mechanisms, creating a scenario where unauthorized users can exploit incorrectly configured security levels to gain access to restricted functionality. The issue fundamentally undermines the authentication and authorization framework that should protect sensitive administrative features and data within the WordPress environment.
This missing authorization vulnerability manifests as an insufficient access control implementation that fails to properly validate user permissions before granting access to notification management features. The flaw allows attackers to bypass standard authentication checks and potentially manipulate notification settings, view sensitive data, or execute administrative actions without proper authorization. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-284, which specifically addresses improper access control issues, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for valid accounts and T1068 for local privilege escalation through misconfigured access controls. The affected plugin's notification system becomes a potential attack vector for malicious actors seeking to compromise WordPress sites through unauthorized access to notification configurations and management interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can enable attackers to manipulate notification delivery settings, potentially disrupting legitimate communication channels or using the notification system as a vehicle for further attacks. Attackers could modify notification templates, change delivery schedules, or even use the system to send malicious notifications to users, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on the plugin for critical communications. The vulnerability affects the overall security posture of WordPress installations by providing an entry point that bypasses standard security controls, potentially allowing for privilege escalation or lateral movement within the affected systems. Organizations using NotificationX versions 3.2.1 and earlier face increased risk of data exposure, service disruption, and potential compromise of their WordPress environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2026-27042 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 3.2.2 or later, which contain the necessary authorization fixes to address the access control flaw. System administrators should conduct comprehensive security audits to identify any potential exploitation attempts and monitor for unusual activity in notification management areas. The implementation of additional security layers such as web application firewalls, rate limiting, and enhanced monitoring of administrative access patterns can provide defense-in-depth protection. Organizations should also review and validate their existing access control configurations to ensure proper user permissions and role-based access controls are properly enforced throughout their WordPress environments. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar misconfigurations in other plugins and themes that could present similar authorization challenges. The remediation process should include verification that all administrative functions properly enforce authentication checks and that no unauthorized access paths remain available to unauthenticated users or users with insufficient privileges.