CVE-2026-27391 in uListing Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/23/2026
Subscriber Broken Access Control in uListing <= 2.2.0 versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2026
The vulnerability identified as broken access control in uListing plugin versions prior to 2.2.0 represents a critical security flaw that allows unauthorized users to access restricted administrative functionalities. This weakness stems from inadequate validation of user permissions within the plugin's codebase, specifically affecting the subscription management system where authenticated subscribers can potentially escalate their privileges without proper authorization checks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through insufficient input sanitization and permission verification mechanisms within the plugin's core files. Attackers can exploit this by manipulating API endpoints or administrative interfaces that should only be accessible to administrators or authorized users with specific subscription levels. The flaw typically occurs when user roles and capabilities are not properly verified before executing sensitive operations such as modifying listings, accessing subscriber data, or performing administrative tasks.
This vulnerability directly impacts the security posture of WordPress installations running affected uListing versions by creating potential attack vectors for privilege escalation attacks. An attacker who gains access to a subscriber account could potentially leverage this flaw to gain administrative privileges or access sensitive data that should be restricted to authorized personnel only. The operational impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other vulnerabilities or through social engineering approaches.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which categorizes improper authorization issues in software systems, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and privilege escalation. Organizations running these vulnerable versions face significant risk of data breaches, unauthorized modifications to listings, and potential exposure of sensitive subscriber information. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it affects the subscription-based functionality that many users rely on for managing their content and user access.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching to version 2.2.0 or later where the access control mechanisms have been properly implemented. Administrators should also implement additional security measures including regular monitoring of user activities, implementing role-based access controls at the WordPress level, and conducting thorough security audits of plugin installations. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense while waiting for patches to be deployed across all affected systems.
Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other plugins or themes that may exhibit similar access control issues, particularly those implementing subscription-based features or user management systems. Regular security updates and proper testing procedures before deploying plugin upgrades are essential practices to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited in production environments. The incident also underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and understanding the implications of third-party plugin dependencies on overall system security.
The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor access control oversights can create significant security risks in content management systems, particularly when dealing with user subscription models that require careful privilege management. Security teams should establish protocols for monitoring plugin security advisories and maintain updated inventories of all installed plugins to quickly identify and remediate similar issues across their infrastructure.