CVE-2026-5415
Published: 05 June 2026
Summary
CVE-2026-5415 is a high-severity Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel (CWE-288) vulnerability in Getwpcaptcha (inferred from references). Its CVSS base score is 8.8 (High).
Operationally, exploitation aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK technique Exploitation for Privilege Escalation (T1068); ranked at the 31.3th percentile by exploit likelihood (below the median); it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.
OWASP Top 10 for Web (2025)
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2026-34888
Vulnerability details
The WP Captcha PRO (the premium version of the Advanced Google reCAPTCHA plugin, both have the same slug) 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()…
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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.
- CWE(s)
Related Threats
MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise TechniquesAI
Why these techniques?
Missing capability check on AJAX handler enables authenticated privilege escalation to arbitrary accounts (T1068); plugin flaw on public-facing WordPress site directly facilitates exploitation (T1190).
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Likely Mitigating Controls AI
Per-CVE control mapping for this CVE has not run yet; the list below is derived from the weakness types (CWEs) cited in the NVD entry.
Authorizing remote access reduces the ability to bypass authentication via unauthorized alternate remote channels.
Users can identify logons via alternate paths or channels by reviewing the previous logon time.
Adaptive requirements can apply across access paths, reducing the ability to bypass authentication via alternate channels or paths.
Centralized IdPs close alternate authentication paths that enable bypass.
Enforces authentication for non-organizational users, making it harder to bypass via alternate paths or channels.
Requires authentication to occur exclusively over the isolated trusted path, directly preventing bypass via alternate or untrusted channels.