CVE-2026-0675: NextGEN Download Gallery Info Disclosure

CVE-2026-0675 Overview

A sensitive data exposure vulnerability has been identified in the NextGEN Download Gallery WordPress plugin. This vulnerability allows unauthorized actors to retrieve embedded sensitive system information through the plugin's functionality. The flaw stems from improper exposure of sensitive system information to an unauthorized control sphere (CWE-497), potentially allowing attackers to extract confidential data that should not be accessible.

Critical Impact

Attackers can retrieve sensitive embedded data from WordPress sites running vulnerable versions of the NextGEN Download Gallery plugin, potentially exposing system configuration details and other confidential information.

Affected Products

• NextGEN Download Gallery WordPress Plugin versions through 1.6.2

Discovery Timeline

• January 8, 2026 - CVE-2026-0675 published to NVD
• January 8, 2026 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-0675

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as an Exposure of Sensitive System Information to an Unauthorized Control Sphere (CWE-497). The NextGEN Download Gallery plugin, which extends functionality for WordPress gallery management and downloads, fails to properly restrict access to sensitive system information. This weakness allows unauthorized users to retrieve embedded sensitive data that should be protected from external access.

The vulnerability affects all versions of the NextGEN Download Gallery plugin from the initial release through version 1.6.2. WordPress administrators using this plugin should be aware that sensitive information embedded within the plugin's operation may be accessible to unauthorized parties.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper access controls within the NextGEN Download Gallery plugin. The plugin exposes sensitive system information without adequate authorization checks, allowing data that should be restricted to authorized users to be retrieved by unauthorized actors. This represents a failure to implement proper information hiding and access control mechanisms.

Attack Vector

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by making requests to the vulnerable WordPress plugin endpoints. The attack does not require authentication, allowing remote attackers to retrieve sensitive embedded data from affected WordPress installations. The attacker leverages the plugin's improper exposure of system information to extract confidential data.

Since no verified code examples are available, the technical exploitation details can be found in the Patchstack Vulnerability Database Entry which provides additional context on the vulnerability mechanics.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-0675

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual access patterns to NextGEN Download Gallery plugin endpoints
• Unexpected requests attempting to retrieve system configuration data
• Log entries showing repeated queries to plugin-specific URLs from unknown sources
• Evidence of data exfiltration attempts through gallery download functionality

Detection Strategies

• Monitor web server logs for suspicious requests targeting the nextgen-download-gallery plugin directory
• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect information disclosure attempts
• Review WordPress audit logs for unauthorized access to plugin functionality
• Deploy SentinelOne Singularity XDR to detect anomalous behavior patterns on web servers

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for all WordPress plugin activity
• Configure alerting for unusual access to plugin directories and endpoints
• Implement real-time monitoring of outbound data transfers from the web server
• Regularly audit plugin configurations and access logs for signs of exploitation

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-0675

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the NextGEN Download Gallery plugin to a patched version when available
• Deactivate and remove the plugin if not critical to operations until a patch is released
• Implement WAF rules to block suspicious requests targeting the vulnerable plugin
• Audit WordPress installations to identify all instances of the affected plugin

Patch Information

Site administrators should check for updates to the NextGEN Download Gallery plugin through the WordPress plugin repository or consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Database for the latest remediation guidance. Ensure automatic updates are enabled for WordPress plugins to receive security patches promptly.

Workarounds

• Disable the NextGEN Download Gallery plugin until a security patch is available
• Restrict access to WordPress admin areas and plugin endpoints via IP whitelisting
• Implement additional authentication layers for sensitive plugin functionality
• Use a Web Application Firewall to filter malicious requests targeting the vulnerable endpoints

# WordPress plugin management - disable vulnerable plugin
wp plugin deactivate nextgen-download-gallery --path=/var/www/html

# Verify plugin status
wp plugin list --path=/var/www/html | grep nextgen-download-gallery