CVE-2026-96333 in GiveWP Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/09/2026
Authentication Bypass by Spoofing vulnerability in Liquid Web / StellarWP GiveWP give allows Identity Spoofing.This issue affects GiveWP: from n/a through 4.16.8.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/09/2026
The identified security flaw represents a critical authentication bypass mechanism within the GiveWP plugin, specifically affecting versions ranging from initial releases up to version 4.16.8.1. This vulnerability stems from an insufficient validation of identity claims during the authentication process, allowing attackers to spoof legitimate user identities. In practical terms, this means that an adversary can manipulate input parameters or session data to impersonate authenticated users without possessing valid credentials. The core technical failure lies in the application's inability to properly verify the integrity and origin of authentication tokens or identifiers, thereby trusting maliciously crafted inputs as if they originated from a trusted source. This type of flaw is fundamentally categorized under CWE-287, which describes Improper Authentication, specifically highlighting scenarios where identity spoofing occurs due to weak verification logic.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability is severe for organizations relying on GiveWP for donation processing and user management. By successfully exploiting this authentication bypass, a malicious actor can gain unauthorized access to administrative functions or sensitive donor data. This could lead to the manipulation of financial records, theft of personally identifiable information such as email addresses and payment details, or even the defacement of the website if administrative privileges are obtained. The ability to spoof identities undermines the fundamental trust model of the application, allowing attackers to perform actions under the guise of legitimate users, which complicates forensic analysis and accountability since logs will reflect activity from compromised accounts rather than external intruders.
This vulnerability aligns with several tactics within the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly T1078 Valid Accounts, where adversaries use valid system or application credentials to maintain access. Additionally, it relates to T1621 Credential Stuffing if the spoofing leverages leaked credential databases, though in this specific context of identity spoofing via input manipulation, it more closely mirrors techniques used for session hijacking or token forgery found in various web application attacks. The exploitation typically requires low privileges initially, often accessible through a simple browser interface, making it an attractive target for automated scanning tools and opportunistic attackers seeking quick access to vulnerable WordPress installations powered by Liquid Web infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies must focus on immediate patching and enhanced input validation. Administrators should upgrade GiveWP to version 4.16.8.2 or later as soon as possible, where the vendor has addressed the identity verification logic flaws. In addition to updating software, implementing strict server-side validation for all authentication-related inputs is crucial. Security teams should also enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever supported by the platform, adding a layer of security that remains effective even if password-based or token spoofing attempts succeed. Regular auditing of user activity logs and monitoring for anomalous login patterns can help detect exploitation attempts early. Furthermore, applying web application firewall rules to filter out malformed authentication headers or suspicious parameter structures can provide an additional defensive layer against identity spoofing attacks targeting this specific vulnerability in GiveWP environments hosted on Liquid Web infrastructure.