CVE-2026-64796 in Sourcerer Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/23/2026
Free did not require both the article creator and last modifier to be Super Users before executing article PHP. Pro did not consistently enforce configured CSS, JavaScript and PHP permissions across tags, attributes, files and both article owners. PHP include attributes could also escape the configured include folder, and executable script/style variants could bypass detection.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical authorization and access control flaw that fundamentally undermines the security posture of content management systems. The core issue lies in the insufficient validation mechanisms that fail to properly verify user privileges before executing sensitive operations. When the system does not require both article creators and last modifiers to possess Super User status, it creates an arbitrary code execution pathway where unauthorized users can manipulate PHP code execution through article modification processes. This design flaw directly maps to CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization in software systems, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting languages, as attackers can exploit the bypassed permissions to inject malicious code.
The inconsistent enforcement of configured security policies across multiple execution contexts represents a comprehensive breakdown in the system's defensive architecture. When CSS, JavaScript, and PHP permissions are not uniformly applied across tags, attributes, files, and article ownership scenarios, it creates numerous attack vectors where privilege escalation becomes possible. This weakness enables attackers to manipulate the system's execution environment through various entry points, effectively circumventing the intended security boundaries. The lack of consistent permission enforcement demonstrates a failure in implementing principle of least privilege and separation of duties, which are fundamental concepts in secure system design according to NIST SP 800-53 controls.
The specific vulnerability involving PHP include attributes escaping configured include folders exposes a directory traversal or path traversal flaw that allows attackers to access restricted files outside the intended execution scope. This type of vulnerability enables unauthorized file system access and can lead to information disclosure, remote code execution, or system compromise. When executable script and style variants can bypass detection mechanisms, it indicates inadequate input validation and output encoding controls that allow malicious payloads to be silently executed within the application context. This scenario creates a persistent threat where attackers can gradually escalate their privileges through multiple layers of compromised controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate exploitation capabilities to encompass long-term system compromise and data integrity threats. Attackers can leverage these flaws to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive information, or disrupt system availability through malicious code execution. The inconsistent enforcement across different security contexts means that defenders face a fragmented threat landscape where traditional security controls prove insufficient. Organizations implementing such systems should consider implementing comprehensive input validation frameworks, enforcing strict access control policies at multiple layers, and establishing robust monitoring mechanisms to detect anomalous execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies must address both the immediate architectural weaknesses and implement layered defensive measures to prevent exploitation. The system requires mandatory privilege verification for all content modification operations, with proper enforcement of Super User status for critical article management functions. Implementing strict path validation controls for include attributes will prevent directory traversal attacks, while comprehensive output encoding and input sanitization will block malicious script injection attempts. Organizations should also establish automated monitoring systems that track permission violations and anomalous execution patterns, enabling rapid detection and response to potential exploitation attempts. These measures align with industry best practices outlined in ISO 27001 and the OWASP Top Ten Project recommendations for secure application development and deployment.