What the vulnerability does
01Description
The Optional Email plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Privilege Escalation via Account Takeover in all versions up to, and including, 1.3.11. This is due to the plugin not restricting its 'random_password' filter to registration contexts, allowing the filter to affect password reset key generation. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to set a known password reset key when initiating a password reset, reset the password of any user including administrators, and gain access to their accounts.
Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms
02Summary
Optional Email versions 1.3.11 and earlier contain a critical vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to read sensitive data, modify site content, or disrupt service availability. The vulnerability requires no user interaction and can be exploited remotely over the network. All installations of affected versions should be updated immediately.
What an attacker can do
03Attacker Capabilities
Read sensitive data, modify site content, or disrupt service availability without authentication.
Potential impact on your site
04Site Impact
Attackers can compromise your site's data, content, and availability without needing a user account.
Conditions required to exploit
05Prerequisites
Network access only; no authentication or user interaction required.
Key dates
06Disclosure timeline
January 7, 2026
CVE published
April 8, 2026
Record updated
