CVE-2026-3453 in ProfilePress Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/11/2026
The ProfilePress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Insecure Direct Object Reference in all versions up to, and including, 4.16.11. This is due to missing ownership validation on the change_plan_sub_id parameter in the process_checkout() function. The ppress_process_checkout AJAX handler accepts a user-controlled subscription ID intended for plan upgrades, loads the subscription record, and cancels/expires it without verifying the subscription belongs to the requesting user. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to cancel and expire any other user's active subscription via the change_plan_sub_id parameter during checkout, causing immediate loss of paid access for victims.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2026
The ProfilePress plugin for WordPress presents a critical security vulnerability classified as Insecure Direct Object Reference under CVE-2026-3453 affecting versions through 4.16.11. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the process_checkout() function where the change_plan_sub_id parameter lacks proper ownership verification. The flaw exists within the ppress_process_checkout AJAX handler which processes subscription modifications during checkout operations. When an attacker submits a malicious subscription ID through this parameter, the system retrieves and modifies the corresponding subscription record without confirming that the requesting user legitimately owns or has authorization to modify that specific subscription.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a clear violation of access control principles where the system assumes all subscription modifications originate from authorized users without proper authentication checks. The absence of ownership validation creates a path where authenticated users with Subscriber-level permissions or higher can manipulate subscription records belonging to other users. This represents a direct breach of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates how improper input sanitization can lead to unauthorized privilege escalation within a user management system. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the subscription management functionality of the ProfilePress plugin.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation to potentially cause significant financial and user experience damage. Attackers can immediately terminate legitimate users' paid subscriptions, resulting in unauthorized loss of access to premium content or services. This capability allows for targeted disruption of user accounts and can be exploited systematically to affect multiple users within a platform. The vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of subscription services, potentially leading to revenue loss for service providers and user dissatisfaction. From a security perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to perform account takeover operations indirectly by manipulating subscription states rather than directly accessing user credentials.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust access control measures including mandatory ownership validation for all subscription-related operations. The system must verify that the requesting user has legitimate authorization to modify the specified subscription before executing any changes. This involves implementing proper authentication checks and ensuring that all subscription IDs passed through user-controlled parameters are validated against the current user's subscription ownership. Security enhancements should include input sanitization, parameter validation, and proper session management to prevent unauthorized access. Organizations should also implement monitoring for unusual subscription modification patterns and establish automated alerts for potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1078 (Valid Accounts) as it exploits authenticated user privileges to perform unauthorized actions against other users' resources.