CVE-2026-2941 in Linksy Search and Replace Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/21/2026
The Linksy Search and Replace plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the 'linksy_search_and_replace_item_details' function in all versions up to, and including, 1.0.4. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level access and above, to update any database table, any value, including the wp_capabilities database field, which allows attackers to change their own role to administrator, which leads to privilege escalation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-2941 affects the Linksy Search and Replace plugin for WordPress, representing a critical authorization flaw that undermines the platform's security model. This issue stems from a fundamental missing capability check within the plugin's codebase, specifically targeting the 'linksy_search_and_replace_item_details' function that exists in all versions up to and including 1.0.4. The absence of proper access controls creates a pathway for authenticated attackers to manipulate database content beyond their intended permissions, fundamentally compromising the integrity of WordPress user privilege management.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers with subscriber-level access or higher to exploit the insecure function and perform unauthorized database modifications across any table within the WordPress installation. This flaw specifically enables modification of the wp_capabilities database field, which serves as the cornerstone of WordPress role-based access control. By manipulating this field, attackers can elevate their own privileges from subscriber to administrator, effectively bypassing all security measures that rely on role-based permissions. The vulnerability operates at the core of WordPress's security architecture, where the wp_capabilities field determines what actions users can perform within the system.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe privilege escalation vector that can lead to complete system compromise. Once an attacker successfully elevates their privileges to administrator level, they gain unrestricted access to all plugin functionalities, theme options, user management capabilities, and database modifications. The attack scenario typically begins with an authenticated user account, which is often easier to obtain through social engineering, credential stuffing, or other initial access methods. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require special technical skills beyond basic understanding of WordPress database structures and the ability to make authenticated requests to the affected plugin endpoints.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a classic example of insufficient authorization checking, which aligns with CWE-285, representing an authorization bypass that allows unauthorized access to resources. The flaw also maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers valid accounts with elevated privileges, as the vulnerability essentially enables attackers to assume administrator roles through legitimate authentication mechanisms. The absence of capability checks in the plugin's codebase demonstrates a failure in secure coding practices and highlights the importance of implementing proper access control validation for all functions that interact with sensitive data modifications.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate plugin updates to versions that address the missing capability check, as well as implementing additional security measures such as role-based access reviews and monitoring for unauthorized privilege changes. System administrators should conduct thorough security audits to identify any existing compromised accounts and ensure that all WordPress installations maintain current versions of plugins and core software. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of validating user permissions at every point where database modifications occur, particularly in plugin code that handles user input and performs administrative functions. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and maintain comprehensive logging of administrative activities.