Subscriber-to-Administrator takeover via temporary login links
Published Jun 5, 2026 · Updated Jun 5, 2026
Authentication bypass in WebFactory WP Captcha PRO 5.38 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to log in as administrators. The ajax_run_tool() handler checks only a nonce and no capability before create_temporary_link generates a passwordless link for any user; handle_temporary_links() then accepts that link without further authorization. Subscriber access is sufficient when the welcome pointer remains undismissed because wp_localize_script() exposes the nonce on non-settings administration pages, enabling complete administrator account takeover.
Summary
What happened
Authentication bypass in WebFactory WP Captcha PRO 5.38 and earlier allows remote authenticated users to log in as administrators. The ajax_run_tool() handler checks only a nonce and no capability before create_temporary_link generates a passwordless link for any user; handle_temporary_links() then accepts that link without further authorization. Subscriber access is sufficient when the welcome pointer remains undismissed because wp_localize_script() exposes the nonce on non-settings administration pages, enabling complete administrator account takeover.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2026-5415
- Published
- Jun 5, 2026
- Updated
- Jun 5, 2026
- Vendor
- WebFactory Ltd
- Product
- WP Captcha
- Classifications
- CWE-288, T1068
- Attack vector
- network
- Privileges
- authenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Jun 5, 2026CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Jun 5, 2026Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=0 <=5.38
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
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Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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