CVE-2026-24618 Overview
CVE-2026-24618 is a sensitive data exposure vulnerability in the HashThemes Hash Elements WordPress plugin. The flaw affects all versions up to and including 1.5.4. It is classified under [CWE-497]: Exposure of Sensitive System Information to an Unauthorized Control Sphere. An authenticated attacker with low privileges can retrieve embedded sensitive data from the plugin over the network. The issue impacts data confidentiality but does not affect integrity or availability.
Critical Impact
Authenticated low-privilege users can retrieve embedded sensitive data from WordPress sites running Hash Elements through version 1.5.4, exposing system information to unauthorized control spheres.
Affected Products
- HashThemes Hash Elements plugin for WordPress
- All versions from initial release through 1.5.4
- WordPress sites where the plugin is installed and active
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-06-12 - CVE-2026-24618 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-24618
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the Hash Elements plugin, an add-on that extends WordPress site builders with additional widgets and design elements. The plugin exposes sensitive system information to a control sphere that should not have access to it. The flaw maps to [CWE-497], which covers cases where applications fail to properly restrict access to internal system data.
An attacker requires authenticated access with low privileges to exploit the issue. No user interaction is needed, and the attack proceeds over the network. Once exploited, the attacker can read embedded sensitive data without modifying system state or causing service disruption. The confidentiality impact is limited but meaningful in multi-tenant or contributor-driven WordPress deployments.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient authorization checks around plugin endpoints or data structures that embed sensitive system information. The plugin does not validate whether the requesting authenticated user is permitted to retrieve the data being returned. Patchstack classifies this as a sensitive data exposure issue affecting Hash Elements through version 1.5.4.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires an attacker to hold valid credentials for any low-privilege role on the target WordPress site, such as Subscriber or Contributor. The attacker sends a crafted request to a plugin-controlled endpoint and receives sensitive data in the response. Because the attack vector is network-based with low attack complexity, automated tooling can scan for vulnerable installations at scale.
For verified technical details, refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-24618
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected authenticated requests to Hash Elements plugin endpoints originating from low-privilege accounts
- Outbound transmission of WordPress configuration data, API keys, or internal paths in plugin response bodies
- Repeated enumeration of plugin REST routes or AJAX actions by Subscriber or Contributor accounts
Detection Strategies
- Inventory all WordPress installations and identify sites running Hash Elements at version 1.5.4 or earlier
- Review web server access logs for authenticated requests to plugin paths under /wp-content/plugins/hash-elements/ or related AJAX/REST endpoints
- Correlate plugin endpoint access patterns with user role to flag low-privilege accounts retrieving administrative data
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable WordPress audit logging and forward events to a central SIEM for analysis
- Alert on response payloads from plugin endpoints that contain sensitive tokens, secrets, or system paths
- Monitor for spikes in authenticated GET requests against Hash Elements endpoints from accounts that do not normally access them
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-24618
Immediate Actions Required
- Update HashThemes Hash Elements to a version newer than 1.5.4 once the vendor publishes a fixed release
- Audit all WordPress user accounts and remove unused or unnecessary low-privilege accounts that could be abused for exploitation
- Rotate any credentials, API keys, or secrets that may have been exposed through the plugin
Patch Information
At the time of publication, the Patchstack Vulnerability Report lists the affected range as Hash Elements through version 1.5.4. Administrators should monitor the plugin's update channel in the WordPress plugin repository and apply the fixed release as soon as it is published by HashThemes.
Workarounds
- Deactivate and remove the Hash Elements plugin until a patched version is available if the affected widgets are not required
- Restrict registration on the WordPress site and disable open Subscriber sign-ups to reduce the pool of authenticated attackers
- Place the site behind a web application firewall and block requests to vulnerable plugin endpoints from unauthorized roles
# Configuration example: disable open registration and remove the plugin via WP-CLI
wp option update users_can_register 0
wp plugin deactivate hash-elements
wp plugin uninstall hash-elements
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
