CVE-2026-82970 in Cookie Notice Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/31/2026
Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type vulnerability in WP Legal Pages WP Cookie Notice for GDPR, CCPA & ePrivacy Consent allows Using Malicious Files.
This issue affects WP Cookie Notice for GDPR, CCPA & ePrivacy Consent: from n/a through 4.4.1.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2026
The identified vulnerability represents a critical security flaw within the WP Legal Pages and WP Cookie Notice plugins for WordPress, specifically affecting versions ranging from initial releases up to version 4.4.1. This issue is classified as an Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type, which falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-434. The core technical failure lies in the plugin's file upload mechanism, which fails to adequately validate or restrict the types of files that users can submit through the administrative interface. In a typical WordPress environment, plugins often provide functionality for uploading assets such as images, documents, or configuration files. However, when input validation is insufficient, an attacker who has obtained access to a user account with upload privileges can bypass these controls by submitting executable scripts disguised as legitimate file types or by exploiting MIME type sniffing inconsistencies in the server's processing logic.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability allows for arbitrary code execution on the target web server if the uploaded malicious files are stored in an accessible directory and executed directly via HTTP requests. The attacker typically uploads a PHP shell or similar executable script to the plugin's upload directory. Because WordPress plugins often reside within directories that may not have execute permissions disabled by default, or because the application itself might inadvertently process these files as part of its normal operation, the uploaded payload can be triggered remotely. This transforms a simple file upload feature into a full remote code execution vector, granting the attacker complete control over the compromised server environment. The lack of strict extension whitelisting and insufficient content verification are the primary technical deficiencies enabling this exploitation path.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it directly compromises the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected WordPress installation. Once an attacker successfully uploads and executes a malicious file, they can perform a wide range of destructive actions including stealing sensitive data such as user credentials, database contents, and private communications; installing additional malware or backdoors to maintain persistent access; defacing the website's public-facing content; or using the compromised server as part of a botnet for distributed denial-of-service attacks. Given that WP Cookie Notice is widely used across millions of WordPress sites due to its compliance features for GDPR, CCPA, and ePrivacy regulations, this vulnerability potentially impacts a vast number of organizations worldwide, making it a high-priority target for automated scanning tools and opportunistic attackers seeking quick compromises through popular plugin ecosystems.
Mitigation strategies must focus on immediate remediation and long-term hardening practices. The most effective solution is to upgrade the WP Legal Pages and WP Cookie Notice plugins to version 4.4.2 or later, where this vulnerability has been patched by implementing stricter file type validation and restricting upload directories from direct execution. For organizations unable to update immediately due to compatibility constraints, temporary mitigations include disabling the specific upload functionality if it is not actively used, ensuring that all WordPress plugin directories have execute permissions disabled via server configuration such as Apache or Nginx rules, and employing a Web Application Firewall to detect and block attempts to upload executable file types. Additionally, administrators should enforce strong authentication policies and multi-factor authentication for all user accounts with administrative privileges to reduce the likelihood of an attacker gaining the initial access required to exploit this flaw.
This vulnerability aligns with several MITRE ATT&CK techniques that describe common attack patterns in web application exploitation. Specifically, it relates to T1505.003 Server Software Component: Web Shell, where attackers upload malicious scripts to maintain persistence and execute commands. It also connects to T1190 Exploit Public-Facing Application, as the vulnerability exists within a publicly accessible plugin interface that is frequently targeted by automated scanners. Understanding these mappings helps security teams prioritize detection rules and incident response procedures tailored to this specific type of web application compromise. By addressing both the immediate software defect and the broader access control weaknesses, organizations can significantly reduce their risk profile associated with third-party WordPress plugins.