What the vulnerability does
01Description
The ProfileGrid plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized decryption of private information in versions up to, and including, 5.5.0. This is due to the passphrase and iv being hardcoded in the 'pm_encrypt_decrypt_pass' function and used across all sites running the plugin. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with administrator-level permissions or above to decrypt and view users' passwords. If combined with another vulnerability, this can potentially grant lower-privileged users access to users' passwords.
Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms
02Summary
ProfileGrid versions up to 5.5.0 contain a use of hard-coded cryptographic key vulnerability. An authenticated administrator can read sensitive data that should be encrypted, such as user information or private communications. The vulnerability stems from reliance on a static, publicly known encryption key rather than unique per-installation keys. Update to a version newer than 5.5.0.
What an attacker can do
03Attacker Capabilities
Read encrypted user data and private information by exploiting a hard-coded cryptographic key.
Potential impact on your site
04Site Impact
An admin account compromise exposes encrypted user data, private messages, and sensitive profile information to decryption.
Conditions required to exploit
05Prerequisites
Attacker must have administrator-level access to the WordPress site.
Key dates
06Disclosure timeline
August 31, 2023
CVE published
April 8, 2026
Record updated
