CVE-2026-18072
Received Received - Intake

Authentication Bypass via Hardcoded Backdoor in Advanced Responsive Video Embedder

Publication date: 2026-07-29

Last updated on: 2026-07-29

Assigner: Wordfence

Description
The Advanced Responsive Video Embedder for Rumble, Odysee, YouTube, Vimeo, Kick … plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Authentication Bypass via a Hardcoded Backdoor in version 10.8.7. The vulnerability exists because the `_arve_uc_init()` function — registered on WordPress's `init` hook at priority 1 so that it runs before any authentication checks on every request — reads an attacker-supplied token from the `_wplogin` (or `_wpm`) parameter and compares it against a hardcoded SHA-256 hash embedded directly in the plugin source, with no nonce verification, no capability check, and no password validation anywhere in the flow. Because this static hash constitutes a set of universal credentials that are publicly accessible in the plugin's source code, unauthenticated attackers can supply the known token to be authenticated as an arbitrarily selected existing administrator account, gaining full administrative control over the affected WordPress site. This was likely introduced by an attacker who gained commit access to the developers account.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-07-29
Last Modified
2026-07-29
Generated
2026-07-29
AI Q&A
2026-07-29
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-18072
EUVD
EUVD-2026-50111

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
advanced_responsive_video_embedder advanced_responsive_video_embedder 10.8.7

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-506 The product contains code that appears to be malicious in nature.

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Executive Summary

This vulnerability is an authentication bypass in the Advanced Responsive Video Embedder WordPress plugin version 10.8.7. It allows unauthenticated attackers to gain full administrative access by exploiting a hardcoded backdoor. The flaw exists in the _arve_uc_init() function, which runs before authentication checks and uses a hardcoded SHA-256 hash for access. Attackers can supply a known token via the _wplogin or _wpm parameter to impersonate any administrator account.

Detection Guidance

Check for the Advanced Responsive Video Embedder plugin version 10.8.7 in your WordPress installation. Look for unauthorized admin accounts or suspicious `_wplogin` or `_wpm` parameter usage in server logs.

Impact Analysis

If you use the vulnerable plugin, attackers can take complete control of your WordPress site without needing credentials. This includes deleting content, installing malware, stealing data, or defacing the site. The attack requires no user interaction and can be executed remotely.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access and data breaches, violating GDPR and HIPAA requirements for data protection and access controls. Organizations may face fines, legal penalties, and reputational damage if user data is compromised due to this flaw.

Mitigation Strategies

Immediately update the plugin to the latest version or remove it entirely. Revoke any unauthorized admin accounts and audit user permissions. Block requests containing `_wplogin` or `_wpm` parameters at the firewall level.

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