CVE-2026-42744 Overview
CVE-2026-42744 affects the Ads by WPQuads WordPress plugin (quick-adsense-reloaded) through version 3.0.2. The flaw stems from improper validation of specified quantity in input, categorized under [CWE-1284]. Attackers can manipulate hidden form fields to bypass intended plugin restrictions. The vulnerability is exploitable over the network without authentication or user interaction.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can manipulate hidden fields in the Ads by WPQuads plugin to bypass restrictions, resulting in limited impact to integrity and availability of affected WordPress sites.
Affected Products
- Ads by WPQuads plugin (quick-adsense-reloaded) versions up to and including 3.0.2
- WordPress installations using the vulnerable plugin
- Sites exposing plugin functionality to unauthenticated network access
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-05-27 - CVE-2026-42744 published to NVD
- 2026-05-27 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-42744
Vulnerability Analysis
The Ads by WPQuads plugin fails to properly validate quantity values supplied through hidden form fields. Attackers can intercept and modify these hidden fields before submission to influence server-side processing logic. Because the plugin trusts client-supplied values without enforcing server-side bounds or integrity checks, manipulated inputs reach business logic functions that should restrict them.
The issue maps to [CWE-1284] (Improper Validation of Specified Quantity in Input), a class of weakness where applications use untrusted client values to control quantities, limits, or counters. Exploitation requires no authentication and no user interaction, lowering the bar for opportunistic attacks against exposed WordPress sites. EPSS data places exploitation probability at 0.058% with a percentile of 18.22.
Root Cause
The plugin relies on hidden HTML form fields to convey state and quantity values to the server. Server-side handlers consume these values without re-validating them against authoritative sources or applying constraint checks. This pattern violates the principle of treating all client input as untrusted.
Attack Vector
An attacker submits crafted HTTP requests to plugin endpoints with modified hidden field values. Because the attack vector is network-based with low complexity and no privileges required, automation against internet-facing WordPress sites is feasible. The vulnerability does not enable confidentiality loss but allows limited integrity and availability impact.
No public proof-of-concept code is available. Refer to the Patchstack Plugin Vulnerability Report for additional technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-42744
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected HTTP POST requests to quick-adsense-reloaded plugin endpoints from unauthenticated sources
- Anomalous hidden field values in form submissions that deviate from values served in the originating page
- Unexplained changes to plugin configuration, ad placement state, or counter values
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web server access logs for POST requests targeting plugin handlers with abnormal parameter values
- Compare form field values served to clients against values returned in submissions to identify tampering
- Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) rule set that flags requests to the plugin with modified hidden parameters
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable WordPress audit logging for plugin configuration changes and administrative actions
- Monitor for spikes in requests to quick-adsense-reloaded endpoints from single source IPs
- Alert on integrity changes to plugin database tables and option values
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-42744
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress sites running Ads by WPQuads version 3.0.2 or earlier
- Restrict network access to administrative and plugin endpoints where feasible
- Apply the vendor patch as soon as a fixed release is published by Ads by WPQuads
Patch Information
A fixed version above 3.0.2 should be applied once released by the plugin maintainer. Consult the Patchstack Plugin Vulnerability Report for the latest fix availability and version guidance.
Workarounds
- Deactivate the Ads by WPQuads plugin until a patched version is installed
- Deploy WAF rules that validate hidden form field integrity for plugin endpoints
- Limit access to WordPress endpoints exposing plugin functionality using IP allowlists where operationally viable
# Configuration example: temporarily disable the plugin via WP-CLI
wp plugin deactivate quick-adsense-reloaded
wp plugin status quick-adsense-reloaded
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
