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PatchSiren cyber security CVE debrief

CVE-2026-5415 webfactory CVE debrief

The WP Captcha PRO plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Authentication Bypass in all versions up to, and including, 5.38. This is due to the ajax_run_tool() AJAX handler relying solely on a nonce check (check_ajax_referer) for security without performing any capability check, combined with the create_temporary_link tool allowing the generation of passwordless login links for arbitrary users, and the handle_temporary_links() function authenticating visitors via these links without any additional authorization validation. The required nonce is exposed to all authenticated backend users (including Subscribers) via wp_localize_script() on all non-settings admin pages when the plugin's welcome pointer has not been dismissed. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to bypass normal authentication and log in as any user, including Administrators, resulting in complete account takeover.

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 the WP Captcha PRO plugin for WordPress, particularly those with Subscriber-level access and above, should be aware of this vulnerability and take immediate action to update to a patched version.

Technical summary

The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 8.8 and is considered HIGH. The CVSS vector is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.

Defensive priority

HIGH

Recommended defensive actions

  • Update WP Captcha PRO to a patched version
  • Restrict access to the plugin's settings and functionality
  • Monitor for suspicious activity and authentication attempts

Evidence notes

The vulnerability was reported by [email protected] and has been documented in the NVD and CVE databases.

Sources and references

Verified primary and authoritative sources

  • CVE-2026-5415 CVE Program record

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2026-5415

    CVE Program - Official CVE Program record with source-provided CVE metadata.

  • CVE-2026-5415 NVD vulnerability detail

    Publisher, destination, and source semantics verified

    URL: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-5415

    NIST National Vulnerability Database - Official NIST NVD detail page and source-specific vulnerability assessment.

Supplemental references

Methodology and review provenance

AI-assisted synthesis based on stored public vulnerability evidence. System validation, approval state, and publication status do not by themselves establish human review of this revision. PatchSiren helps prioritize defensive review and does not prove exposure or remediation on any system.