Rank Math SEO - Security Vulnerability (CVE-2026-77786)

AI enriched 6 days ago (2026-08-31 05:27 UTC)

Technical Summary

The Rank Math SEO WordPress plugin before 1.0.277 does not check that the user requesting an automated SEO fix holds the capability WordPress itself requires for the settings being changed, allowing users with the Editor role to modify site-wide core WordPress settings that are reserved to administrators.

Potential Impact

Severity is MEDIUM (CVSS 4.9). Depending on deployment context, affected components may be exposed to unauthorized actions or data integrity risk.

Exploitability Assessment

Exploitability is assessed as Low based on severity and technical exposure profile.

Primary risk drivers: severity and technical exposure profile

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 43/100 (Moderate, Low) with priority P4 Planned. Prioritize remediation where affected components process customer data, admin sessions, or Internet-exposed workflows.