What the vulnerability does
01Description
The Login with OTP plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to authentication bypass in all versions up to, and including, 1.6. This is due to an incomplete fix for CVE-2024-11178: the rate-limit/lockout check added to `otpl_login_action()` was placed only inside the OTP-generation branch and is never evaluated on the OTP-validation branch, and the generated 6-digit OTP additionally has no expiration. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to brute-force the 900,000-value OTP space for any user account (including administrators) and obtain a valid `wp_set_auth_cookie()` session, leading to full site compromise.
Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms
02Summary
Login with OTP versions 1.6 and earlier contain a weak authentication mechanism that allows attackers to bypass OTP verification without valid credentials. The vulnerability requires no authentication, user interaction, or special network setup. Attackers can gain full access to the site, read sensitive data, modify content, and disrupt service.
What an attacker can do
03Attacker Capabilities
Bypass OTP authentication and gain unauthorized access to user accounts and site administration.
Potential impact on your site
04Site Impact
Complete compromise of site security; attackers can access all user accounts, steal data, modify content, and take the site offline.
Conditions required to exploit
05Prerequisites
Network access only; no authentication or user interaction required.
Key dates
06Disclosure timeline
May 27, 2026
CVE published
May 27, 2026
Record updated
