Executive Summary

The Timeline Block – Beautiful Timeline Builder for WordPress plugin is vulnerable to an Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR) issue in all versions up to and including 1.3.3. This vulnerability exists in the tlgb_shortcode() function because it lacks proper validation on a user-controlled key.

As a result, authenticated attackers with Author-level access or higher can exploit this flaw to disclose private timeline content by manipulating the id attribute supplied to the 'timeline_block' shortcode.

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Impact Analysis

This vulnerability allows attackers with Author-level access or above to access and disclose private timeline content that should otherwise be restricted.

Such unauthorized disclosure of private content can lead to information leakage, potentially exposing sensitive or confidential data to unauthorized users.

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Compliance Impact

I don't know

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Detection Guidance

This vulnerability involves the Timeline Block WordPress plugin versions up to 1.3.3, where an authenticated user with Author-level access can exploit the tlgb_shortcode() function by supplying a manipulated id attribute to the timeline_block shortcode to disclose private timeline content.

To detect if your system is vulnerable, first verify the installed version of the Timeline Block plugin. If it is version 1.3.3 or earlier, the system is vulnerable.

You can check the plugin version on your WordPress site by running the following command in the WordPress root directory:

• wp plugin list --status=active | grep timeline-block

Alternatively, you can inspect the plugin version by checking the plugin's main file header or via the WordPress admin dashboard.

To detect exploitation attempts on your network, monitor HTTP requests for usage of the timeline_block shortcode with unusual or manipulated id parameters, especially from authenticated users with Author-level or higher privileges.

Since the vulnerability requires authenticated access, reviewing WordPress logs or web server logs for suspicious POST or GET requests containing the timeline_block shortcode with id parameters may help identify exploitation attempts.

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Mitigation Strategies

The primary mitigation step is to update the Timeline Block plugin to version 1.3.4 or later, which contains the fix for CVE-2026-1228.

The update includes a comprehensive code refactor and security fix as detailed in changeset 3446078, addressing the insecure direct object reference vulnerability.

• Backup your WordPress site and database before applying the update.
• Update the plugin via the WordPress admin dashboard or by running the command:
• wp plugin update timeline-block-block

If immediate updating is not possible, restrict Author-level user permissions or monitor and audit user activities closely to prevent exploitation.

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