CVE-2026-1753
Privilege Escalation via Improper Option Validation in Gutena Forms Plugin
Publication date: 2026-03-11
Last updated on: 2026-03-11
Assigner: WPScan
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| gutena | forms | to 1.6.1 (exc) |
| gutena | gutena_forms | to 1.6.1 (exc) |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| CWE ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-639 | The system's authorization functionality does not prevent one user from gaining access to another user's data or record by modifying the key value identifying the data. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
[{'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'CVE-2026-1753 affects the WordPress plugin Gutena Forms versions prior to 1.6.1. The vulnerability occurs because the plugin does not properly validate which options can be updated.'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'This flaw allows users with Contributor role or higher to arbitrarily modify certain boolean and array options, such as the "users_can_register" option.'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'For example, a contributor can insert specific code in a post\'s code editor to change the "users_can_register" option to 1.'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'This issue is classified as an Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR) and falls under the OWASP Top 10 category A5: Broken Access Control, with CWE identifier CWE-639.'}] [1]
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
[{'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'This vulnerability allows users with Contributor role or higher to change important plugin options arbitrarily.'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'For example, changing the "users_can_register" option could enable or disable user registration on the WordPress site without proper authorization.'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'Such unauthorized changes can lead to security risks, including unauthorized user registrations or other unintended behaviors controlled by the affected options.'}] [1]
How does this vulnerability affect compliance with common standards and regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA)?:
I don't know
How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?
[{'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'This vulnerability can be detected by checking if the WordPress site is running the Gutena Forms plugin version prior to 1.6.1.'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'One way to detect exploitation attempts is to look for unusual usage of the Gutena Forms shortcode or block in posts, especially those attempting to update options like "users_can_register".'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'For example, you can search the WordPress database or post content for the following pattern that indicates an attempt to exploit the vulnerability:'}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': '`<!-- wp:gutena/forms {"formID":"users_can_register"} /-->`'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'Additionally, you can run commands to check the installed plugin version, such as:'}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': 'Using WP-CLI: `wp plugin list --field=name,version | grep gutena-forms`'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'Monitoring logs for contributors or higher roles making unexpected changes to boolean or array options can also help detect exploitation.'}] [1]
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
[{'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'The immediate step to mitigate this vulnerability is to update the Gutena Forms WordPress plugin to version 1.6.1 or later, where the issue is fixed.'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'Until the update can be applied, restrict the Contributor role or higher from editing posts in code editor mode or limit their permissions to prevent arbitrary option updates.'}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'Additionally, review and monitor changes to sensitive options like "users_can_register" to detect and respond to unauthorized modifications.'}] [1]