CVE-2026-27418 in WP Fast Total Search Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/23/2026
Unauthenticated Broken Access Control in WP Fast Total Search <= 1.81.282 versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical broken access control flaw that allows unauthenticated attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms within the WP Fast Total Search plugin for WordPress. The issue stems from improper validation of user permissions and session management, enabling malicious actors to access restricted administrative functions without proper credentials. The vulnerability exists in versions up to and including 1.81.282, where the plugin fails to adequately verify whether requests originate from authenticated administrators or legitimate users.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves insufficient input sanitization and authorization checks within the plugin's core functionality. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that target administrative endpoints, potentially gaining access to sensitive configuration data, user information, or the ability to modify plugin settings. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-285 which specifically addresses improper authorization in software systems, and maps directly to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through unauthorized access to administrative interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it provides attackers with potential pathways for further compromise within the WordPress environment. An unauthenticated attacker could leverage this weakness to modify search configurations, inject malicious code into search results, or potentially escalate privileges to full administrative control over the affected WordPress installation. The vulnerability affects not just the plugin itself but the entire WordPress ecosystem, as many sites rely on third-party plugins for extended functionality.
Mitigation strategies should begin with immediate patching of the WP Fast Total Search plugin to versions that address this access control weakness. System administrators must also implement additional monitoring and logging mechanisms to detect unusual access patterns or unauthorized requests targeting administrative endpoints. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and access control lists can provide additional layers of defense. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected plugins and ensure proper authentication mechanisms are enforced across all administrative interfaces. Regular security audits and adherence to the principle of least privilege should be maintained to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future, while also ensuring that all WordPress installations remain current with security patches from both the core platform and third-party extensions.