What the vulnerability does
01Description
The ProfileGrid – User Profiles, Groups and Communities plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Insecure Direct Object Reference in all versions up to, and including, 5.9.7.2 via the 'pm_upload_image' and 'pm_upload_cover_image' AJAX actions. This is due to the update_user_meta() function being called outside of the user authorization check in public/partials/crop.php and public/partials/coverimg_crop.php. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to change any user's profile picture or cover image, including administrators.
Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms
02Summary
ProfileGrid versions up to 5.9.7.2 contain an authorization flaw that allows unauthenticated attackers to modify data on the site. The vulnerability requires no user interaction and can be exploited over the network. Site administrators should update to a version newer than 5.9.7.2 to remediate the issue.
What an attacker can do
03Attacker Capabilities
Modify site data without authentication.
Potential impact on your site
04Site Impact
Unauthorized users can alter site content, user profiles, or community data without logging in.
Conditions required to exploit
05Prerequisites
Network access only; no authentication or user interaction required.
Key dates
06Disclosure timeline
February 5, 2026
CVE published
April 8, 2026
Record updated
