CVE-2020-36838 HIGH

CVE-2020-36838: Facebook Chat Plugin <= 1.5 - Missing Capabilities Check

Vendor Facebook
Product Facebook Chat Plugin – Live Chat Plugin for WordPress
Weakness CWE-284
Published October 16, 2024
Last update April 8, 2026

CVSS base score

7.4/10
Attack vector Network
Attack complexity Low
Privileges required Low
User interaction None
Confidentiality Low
Integrity Low

CVSS vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:L

What the vulnerability does

01Description

The Facebook Chat Plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to authorization bypass due to a missing capability check on the wp_ajax_update_options function in versions up to, and including, 1.5. This flaw makes it possible for low-level authenticated attackers to connect their own Facebook Messenger account to any site running the vulnerable plugin and engage in chats with site visitors on affected sites.

Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms

02Summary

The Facebook Chat Plugin for WordPress versions before 1.6 does not properly restrict access to certain functions based on user roles. A logged-in user with low privileges can read, modify, or delete data belonging to other users or the site itself. The vulnerability affects the plugin's core chat and configuration features.

What an attacker can do

03Attacker Capabilities

Read, modify, or delete other users' data and site settings without proper authorization.

Potential impact on your site

04Site Impact

Unauthorized users can access private messages, change plugin settings, or disrupt chat functionality for legitimate users.

Conditions required to exploit

05Prerequisites

Attacker must have a low-privilege WordPress account (e.g., subscriber or contributor role).

Key dates

06Disclosure timeline

October 16, 2024 CVE published
April 8, 2026 Record updated

Related vulnerabilities

08Related CVE