Platform
wordpress
Component
wp-statistics
Fixed in
14.16.5
14.16.5
CVE-2026-3488 represents a Missing Authorization vulnerability discovered in the WP Statistics plugin for WordPress. This flaw allows unauthorized users to potentially access and modify sensitive data due to inadequate capability checks on several AJAX endpoints. The vulnerability affects versions of the plugin up to and including 14.16.4, and a patch is available in version 14.16.5.
CVE-2026-3488 in the WP Statistics WordPress plugin represents a significant security risk. It's a 'Missing Authorization' vulnerability allowing unauthorized users to access and modify sensitive data. Specifically, the wpstatisticsgetfilters, wpstatisticsgetPrivacyStatus, wpstatisticsupdatePrivacyStatus, and wpstatisticsdismissnotices functions lack proper user permission checks. This means an attacker, without the necessary authorization, could retrieve confidential statistics filter information, privacy status, update privacy settings, or dismiss important notices. The absence of these capability checks opens the door to data manipulation and potential website takeover. Versions 14.16.4 and earlier are vulnerable.
An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending malicious AJAX requests to the vulnerable endpoints. Since only the nonce is verified, an attacker could relatively easily forge it. Once access to these endpoints is gained without proper authorization, the attacker could read or modify statistics data, change the website’s privacy settings, or dismiss important notices. The complexity of exploitation depends on the level of access the attacker can obtain, but the potential impact is significant, including data manipulation, privacy loss, and, in extreme cases, website takeover. The ease of exploitation increases if the website has weak security configurations.
Exploit Status
EPSS
0.06% (18% percentile)
CISA SSVC
CVSS Vector
The most effective mitigation for CVE-2026-3488 is to immediately update the WP Statistics plugin to version 14.16.5 or later. This update includes the necessary fixes to implement the missing capability checks on the affected endpoints. Additionally, review user permissions in WordPress to ensure only administrators and editors have access to the plugin’s administrative functions. Monitoring server logs for suspicious activity can also help detect and respond to potential attacks. If an immediate update isn’t possible, consider restricting access to the vulnerable endpoints through a web application firewall (WAF), although this is not a complete solution.
Update to version 14.16.5, or a newer patched version
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A nonce is a security token that helps prevent replay attacks. However, it's not sufficient to protect against missing authorization, as an attacker can relatively easily forge an existing nonce.
It means the plugin allows unauthorized users to access functions or data that should only be accessible to users with specific permissions.
If you are using a version of WP Statistics older than 14.16.5, your website is vulnerable. You can verify the plugin version in the WordPress admin dashboard, under the plugins section.
Immediately change the passwords of all users with administrative access. Scan your website for malware and consider restoring a clean backup of the website.
Although not a complete solution, you can try restricting access to the vulnerable endpoints using a web application firewall (WAF).
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