CVE-2026-28185 in Log in with Google Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/13/2026
Unauthenticated Broken Authentication in Log in with Google <= 1.4.2 versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical broken authentication flaw that affects the Log in with Google plugin version 1.4.2 and earlier, directly correlating to cwe-287 which addresses improper authentication mechanisms. The issue stems from insufficient validation of user credentials during the authentication process, allowing unauthorized access to systems that rely on Google authentication as a backend service. Attackers can exploit this weakness by bypassing proper authentication checks without requiring valid credentials, effectively creating a backdoor into the authenticated session management system.
The technical implementation flaw occurs at the plugin level where authentication tokens received from Google's OAuth service are not properly validated against the expected authentication parameters. This allows malicious actors to manipulate or forge authentication responses, potentially gaining administrative access to WordPress sites that utilize this vulnerable plugin. The vulnerability exists because the plugin fails to implement proper session management protocols and does not validate the integrity of authentication tokens returned by Google's authentication service.
Operationally, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on Google authentication for their web applications, as it enables attackers to establish unauthorized sessions with elevated privileges. The impact extends beyond simple credential theft since attackers can potentially execute arbitrary code or modify sensitive data within the authenticated environment. This weakness particularly affects WordPress installations where the plugin serves as a primary authentication mechanism, creating a single point of failure that could compromise entire user bases.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching to version 1.4.3 or later which addresses the authentication validation issues, implementing additional security layers such as two-factor authentication, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should also review their authentication logs for suspicious activities and consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malformed authentication requests. The vulnerability aligns with attack technique t1078 in the ATT&CK framework which covers valid accounts and credential access, emphasizing the importance of proper authentication controls. Compliance with security standards including owasp top 10 a07 and iso 27001 requires organizations to implement robust authentication mechanisms that prevent unauthorized access through broken authentication flaws.