What the vulnerability does
01Description
The Advanced Custom Fields: Extended plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Privilege Escalation in all versions up to, and including, 0.9.2.1. This is due to the 'insert_user' function not restricting the roles with which a user can register. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to supply the 'administrator' role during registration and gain administrator access to the site. Note: The vulnerability can only be exploited if 'role' is mapped to the custom field.
Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms
02Summary
Advanced Custom Fields: Extended versions up to 0.9.2.1 contain a privilege management flaw that allows unauthenticated attackers to read, modify, or delete site data over the network without user interaction. The vulnerability stems from improper access control checks, enabling complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Sites running affected versions should update immediately.
What an attacker can do
03Attacker Capabilities
Read, modify, or delete any site data without authentication or user interaction.
Potential impact on your site
04Site Impact
Complete compromise of site data, user information, and functionality without warning or authentication.
Conditions required to exploit
05Prerequisites
Network access only; no authentication or user interaction required.
Key dates
06Disclosure timeline
January 20, 2026
CVE published
April 8, 2026
Record updated
