CVE-2026-31915 in Flatsome Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/13/2026
Missing Authorization vulnerability in UX-themes Flatsome flatsome allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Flatsome: from n/a through <= 3.19.6.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-31915 represents a critical missing authorization flaw within the UX-themes Flatsome flatsome WordPress theme. This security weakness stems from incorrectly configured access control security levels that allow unauthorized users to exploit functionality that should be restricted to administrators or authorized personnel only. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions of the Flatsome theme ranging from the initial release through version 3.19.6, indicating a prolonged period during which this authorization gap existed within the software ecosystem.
The technical flaw manifests as an improper access control implementation where the theme fails to adequately verify user permissions before executing sensitive operations or exposing administrative features. This misconfiguration allows attackers to bypass the intended authorization checks that should prevent regular users, subscribers, or unauthenticated visitors from accessing restricted administrative interfaces, configuration settings, or data manipulation functions. The vulnerability operates at the application level and directly impacts the theme's security model, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and unauthorized system access.
From an operational impact perspective, this missing authorization vulnerability poses significant risks to WordPress websites utilizing the affected Flatsome theme. Attackers could potentially gain access to administrative panels, modify theme settings, upload malicious files, or manipulate website content without proper authentication. The vulnerability's scope extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential full system compromise, as unauthorized users might leverage this access to execute arbitrary code, modify database entries, or establish persistent backdoors within the affected websites. This risk is particularly severe given that Flatsome is a widely used premium theme with numerous installations across various organizations and websites.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which specifically addresses improper authorization issues in software systems. The flaw also corresponds to techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and unauthorized access categories, where attackers exploit misconfigurations to gain elevated privileges. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest Flatsome version where the authorization controls have been properly implemented and tested. Additional protective measures may include implementing web application firewalls, restricting access to administrative interfaces through network-level controls, and conducting thorough security audits of theme configurations to ensure proper access control enforcement.
The remediation strategy must prioritize immediate patching of the Flatsome theme to version 3.19.7 or later, which contains the necessary authorization fixes. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation that may have occurred prior to patching. Regular security monitoring and access control reviews become essential ongoing practices to prevent similar misconfigurations from emerging in other theme components or custom implementations. Organizations should also consider implementing automated security scanning tools that can detect improper access control configurations in their web applications and themes.