CVE-2026-24995: Latest Post Shortcode Auth Bypass Flaw

CVE-2026-24995 Overview

CVE-2026-24995 is a Missing Authorization vulnerability affecting the Latest Post Shortcode WordPress plugin developed by Iulia Cazan. This broken access control flaw allows attackers to exploit incorrectly configured access control security levels, potentially enabling unauthorized actions within WordPress installations using the vulnerable plugin.

The vulnerability stems from CWE-862 (Missing Authorization), indicating that the plugin fails to properly verify user permissions before allowing certain operations. This type of flaw is particularly concerning in WordPress environments where plugins often handle sensitive content management functions.

Critical Impact

Authenticated users with low privileges may be able to perform unauthorized actions due to missing authorization checks in the Latest Post Shortcode plugin, potentially affecting site availability.

Affected Products

• Latest Post Shortcode plugin versions through 14.2.0
• WordPress installations running the vulnerable plugin versions
• Sites using shortcode functionality from the affected plugin

Discovery Timeline

• February 3, 2026 - CVE-2026-24995 published to NVD
• February 3, 2026 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2026-24995

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability represents a Broken Access Control issue where the Latest Post Shortcode plugin fails to implement proper authorization checks. The flaw allows authenticated users to exploit incorrectly configured access control mechanisms, potentially bypassing intended security restrictions.

The vulnerability requires network access and low-privilege authentication to exploit. While no user interaction is needed, the impact is primarily limited to availability concerns rather than confidentiality or integrity breaches. The attack complexity is low, making exploitation straightforward for authenticated attackers.

Root Cause

The root cause is classified under CWE-862 (Missing Authorization). The plugin does not adequately verify that users have the appropriate permissions before allowing them to perform certain actions. This missing authorization check creates a security gap where authenticated users can potentially access functionality or trigger operations beyond their intended privilege level.

In WordPress plugin development, proper capability checks using functions like current_user_can() are essential for enforcing access controls. The absence of such checks in the Latest Post Shortcode plugin creates the exploitable condition.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based, meaning exploitation can occur remotely over the internet. An attacker would need:

1. Valid authentication credentials (even low-privilege subscriber or contributor accounts)
2. Access to a WordPress site running Latest Post Shortcode 14.2.0 or earlier
3. Knowledge of the vulnerable functionality within the plugin

The attacker can then interact with plugin features that lack proper authorization verification, potentially causing denial of service conditions or other availability impacts to the affected WordPress installation.

Detection Methods for CVE-2026-24995

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual activity from low-privilege WordPress user accounts accessing plugin functionality
• Unexpected POST requests to plugin-related AJAX handlers or endpoints
• Error logs showing authorization-related failures or anomalies in the Latest Post Shortcode plugin
• Suspicious patterns of shortcode processing requests from authenticated users

Detection Strategies

• Monitor WordPress audit logs for unauthorized access attempts to plugin functionality
• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect abnormal request patterns targeting the plugin
• Review server access logs for unusual request volumes to WordPress AJAX handlers
• Enable detailed plugin logging to capture authorization-related events

Monitoring Recommendations

• Configure alerting for failed authorization attempts in WordPress security plugins
• Monitor for unusual user behavior patterns, especially from low-privilege accounts
• Implement file integrity monitoring on plugin directories to detect unauthorized modifications
• Regularly audit WordPress user accounts and their privilege levels

How to Mitigate CVE-2026-24995

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the Latest Post Shortcode plugin to the latest patched version when available
• Review and restrict user account privileges to the minimum necessary for their roles
• Audit existing WordPress user accounts for any signs of compromise
• Consider temporarily disabling the plugin if no patch is available and the functionality is not critical

Patch Information

Organizations should monitor the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for official patch announcements and update guidance. Upgrade the Latest Post Shortcode plugin beyond version 14.2.0 once a security update is released by the developer.

Workarounds

• Implement additional authorization checks at the server or WAF level for plugin endpoints
• Restrict plugin functionality access to administrator accounts only through custom code modifications
• Use WordPress security plugins that provide additional access control layers
• Consider using alternative shortcode plugins with better security track records until a patch is available

# WordPress CLI commands to check and update the plugin
# Check current plugin version
wp plugin list --name=latest-post-shortcode --fields=name,version,status

# Disable plugin temporarily if needed
wp plugin deactivate latest-post-shortcode

# Update plugin when patch is available
wp plugin update latest-post-shortcode

# Verify update was successful
wp plugin list --name=latest-post-shortcode --fields=name,version,update_version