CVE-2026-4261
Privilege Escalation in WordPress Expire Users Plugin
Publication date: 2026-03-21
Last updated on: 2026-03-21
Assigner: Wordfence
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| expire_users | expire_users_plugin | to 1.2.2 (inc) |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| CWE ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-862 | The product does not perform an authorization check when an actor attempts to access a resource or perform an action. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
The Expire Users plugin for WordPress has a vulnerability that allows privilege escalation. Specifically, in all versions up to and including 1.2.2, the plugin permits users to update the 'on_expire_default_to_role' meta field through the 'save_extra_user_profile_fields' function. This flaw enables authenticated users with Subscriber-level access or higher to elevate their privileges to that of an administrator.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
This vulnerability can have a significant impact because it allows an attacker who already has some level of access (Subscriber or above) to gain administrator privileges. With administrator access, the attacker can fully control the WordPress site, including modifying content, installing malicious plugins, stealing sensitive data, or disrupting site operations.
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?
I don't know
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
I don't know