WordPress Multiple Themes Privilege Escalation

Privilege escalation is a vulnerability in operating system to gain elevated access to resources that are normally protected from an application or user. An application with all access privilege by the application developer or system administrator can perform unauthorized actions. The older versions of WordPress had this vulnerability by which, any authenticated user can activate this Privilege Escalation vulnerability. This was due to weak permissions checking. Through this attack, an attacker can update options such as:-

1. changing user’s default role
2. registration state etc.

Impact

The impact include:-

• Loosing access to the server
• Possible data breach
• Possible data manipulation

Mitigation / Precaution

Written by

Sooraj V Nair

Cyber Security Engineer

Sooraj was probably the kid who opened up a remote control just to see what was inside, then had to figure out how to put it back together before anyone noticed. That curiosity eventually found its way into cybersecurity, where breaking things is actually part of the job description. Today, he explores vulnerabilities, analysis threats, and helps build safer digital spaces. His favourite question remains the same: “What happens if I try this?”