Acf Frontend Form Element - Privilege Escalation (CVE-2026-18432)
CVE-2026-18432
The Frontend Admin by DynamiApps plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Privilege Escalation in all versions up to, and including, 3.29.9. The vulnerability exists because `ActionUser::conditions_logic()` gates the `current_user_can('edit_user', $user_id)` authorization check behind an `is_numeric()` test, causing the check to be skipped entirely when `$user_id` is a non-numeric string — a condition that can be induced by passing a crafted value such as `1one` through the unvalidated `item_id` parameter of the unauthenticated `wp_ajax_nopriv_frontend_admin/forms/change_form` AJAX endpoint. This makes it possible for attackers to escalate privileges to administrator by obtaining a server-signed `_acf_objects` payload carrying the non-numeric user ID, which WordPress subsequently coerces to integer 1 (the default administrator), allowing the attacker to overwrite that account's password or email address. Exploitation by unauthenticated users requires a public-facing frontend user form to be configured; in all other cases a subscriber-level account is sufficient.
CVE-2026-18432
CRITICAL
CVSS 9.8
Published 2026-08-16
Updated 2026-08-20
AI Risk Critical (100/100)
Active Exploit: No strong signal
Published Exploit: No public exploit references
Priority: P1 Immediate
Severity Band
CRITICAL
CVSS Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Affected Components
3
Reference Links
10
AI Risk Engine
Critical (100/100)
Exploitability
Very High
Active Exploitation
No strong signal
Published Exploit Status
No public exploit references
AI Context
Machine-generated threat intelligence
AI
Updated 19 days ago
AI enriched 19 days ago (2026-08-16 21:38 UTC)
Technical Summary
The Frontend Admin by DynamiApps plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Privilege Escalation in all versions up to, and including, 3.29.9. The vulnerability exists because `ActionUser::conditions_logic()` gates the `current_user_can('edit_user', $user_id)` authorization check behind an `is_numeric()` test, causing the check to be skipped entirely when `$user_id` is a non-numeric string — a condition that can be induced by passing a crafted value such as `1one` through the unvalidated `item_id` parameter of the unauthenticated `wp_ajax_nopriv_frontend_admin/forms/change_form` AJAX endpoint. This makes it possible for…
Potential Impact
Severity is CRITICAL (CVSS 9.8). Depending on deployment context, affected components may be exposed to unauthorized actions or data integrity risk.
Exploitability Assessment
Exploitability is assessed as Very High based on remote code execution potential, low-bar exploit prerequisites.
Primary risk drivers: remote code execution potential, low-bar exploit prerequisites
Mitigation Recommendations
Validate affected product versions, prioritize patching, and monitor references for vendor remediation guidance. If immediate patching is not possible, apply compensating controls and limit exposure of vulnerable surfaces.
Detection & Monitoring
Track authentication anomalies, unexpected file writes, and suspicious plugin API activity around affected components.
Business Impact Lens
AI risk score 100/100 (Critical, Very High) with priority P1 Immediate. Prioritize remediation where affected components process customer data, admin sessions, or Internet-exposed workflows.
