CVE-2026-7444 in Search Analytics for WP Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/05/2026
The Search Analytics for WP plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery in all versions up to, and including, 1.4.16. This is due to missing or incorrect nonce validation on the `process_bulk_action()` function of `MWTSA_Stats_Table`. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to delete arbitrary search-term records, including all associated search-history rows, via a forged request granted they can trick a user with access to the plugin's "Search Analytics" dashboard page (Administrator by default) into performing an action such as clicking on a link.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2026
The Search Analytics for WP plugin presents a critical cross-site request forgery vulnerability that affects all versions through 1.4.16, representing a significant security risk for WordPress installations. This vulnerability stems from inadequate nonce validation within the plugin's administrative interface, specifically targeting the process_bulk_action() function of the MWTSA_Stats_Table class. The flaw creates an exploitable condition where unauthenticated attackers can manipulate the plugin's search analytics functionality to delete arbitrary search-term records and their associated history data without proper authentication or authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the absence of proper nonce verification mechanisms in the process_bulk_action() function, which is responsible for handling bulk operations within the plugin's search analytics dashboard. When users with administrative privileges access the Search Analytics dashboard page, they become potential victims of social engineering attacks where attackers can craft malicious requests that appear legitimate to the user's browser. These forged requests exploit the trust relationship between the authenticated user and the plugin's interface, allowing unauthorized deletion of search data including all associated search history rows that are typically linked to specific search terms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data deletion, as it compromises the integrity and availability of search analytics data within WordPress environments. Attackers can systematically remove search-term records to obscure user behavior patterns, potentially undermining the plugin's primary purpose of providing valuable insights into site search performance. This manipulation capability also affects the broader security posture of WordPress installations by enabling attackers to disrupt analytics workflows and potentially hide malicious activities or attacks that might be detectable through search pattern analysis. The vulnerability particularly impacts sites where search analytics data is used for decision-making processes, content optimization, or security monitoring purposes.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the plugin to version 1.4.17 or later, which includes proper nonce validation mechanisms. Administrators should also implement additional security measures such as restricting access to administrative interfaces through IP whitelisting, implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts, and regularly monitoring user activity logs for suspicious bulk operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, Cross-Site Request Forgery, which classifies this issue as a weakness where the application fails to validate that requests originate from legitimate sources. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1566 - Phishing and T1078 - Valid Accounts, as it relies on social engineering techniques to trick users into performing malicious actions while leveraging existing administrative privileges. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls with CSRF protection mechanisms and conducting regular security assessments of third-party plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities in their WordPress environments.