What the vulnerability does
01Description
The HyperComments plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data that can lead to privilege escalation due to a missing capability check on the hc_request_handler function in all versions up to, and including, 1.2.2. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to update arbitrary options on the WordPress site. This can be leveraged to update the default role for registration to administrator and enable user registration for attackers to gain administrative user access to a vulnerable site.
Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms
02Summary
HyperComments versions 1.2.2 and earlier lack proper authorization checks, allowing authenticated users with low privileges to read, modify, or delete data they should not access. An attacker with a basic user account can perform actions restricted to administrators or other users. No user interaction is required beyond initial login.
What an attacker can do
03Attacker Capabilities
Read, modify, or delete data belonging to other users or the site without proper authorization.
Potential impact on your site
04Site Impact
Any registered user can access or alter sensitive data, comments, or site content they should not be able to reach.
Conditions required to exploit
05Prerequisites
Attacker must have a low-privilege user account on the site; network access to the application.
Key dates
06Disclosure timeline
June 5, 2025
CVE published
April 8, 2026
Record updated
