PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief
CVE-2026-5411 webfactory CVE debrief
The WP Captcha PRO plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file upload in all versions up to, and including, 5.38. This is due to a capability check in the save_ajax() function of the licensing module, combined with unrestricted file extraction in sync_cloud_protection(). This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to upload arbitrary files including PHP webshells to the server by injecting a malicious cloud_protection_url into the license meta, which the plugin then downloads and extracts without file type validation into a web-accessible uploads directory. This can be used for remote code execution. Note: The vulnerability can only be exploited with a remote URL if 'allow_url_fopen' is enabled in the php.ini config.
- Vendor
- webfactory
- Product
- Advanced Google reCAPTCHA
- CVSS
- HIGH 8.8
- CISA KEV
- Not listed in stored evidence
- Original CVE published
- 2026-06-05
- Original CVE updated
- 2026-06-05
- Advisory published
- 2026-06-05
- Advisory updated
- 2026-06-05
Who should care
Users of WP Captcha PRO plugin for WordPress, particularly those with Subscriber-level access and above, should be aware of this vulnerability and take necessary actions to mitigate it.
Technical summary
The vulnerability exists in the WP Captcha PRO plugin for WordPress, specifically in versions up to and including 5.38. It allows authenticated attackers with Subscriber-level access and above to upload arbitrary files, including PHP webshells, to the server. This is achieved by injecting a malicious cloud_protection_url into the license meta, which the plugin then downloads and extracts without file type validation into a web-accessible uploads directory.
Defensive priority
HIGH
Recommended defensive actions
- Update WP Captcha PRO plugin to a version beyond 5.38
- Restrict file uploads to only allow specific file types
- Disable 'allow_url_fopen' in php.ini config if not required
- Monitor server logs for suspicious file upload activity
Evidence notes
The vulnerability was reported by [email protected] and has a CVSS score of 8.8 with a HIGH severity rating.
Official resources
CVE-2026-5411 was published on 2026-06-05T19:16:34.860Z and modified on 2026-06-05T19:20:19.607Z.