CVE-2024-12767 is a high-severity authorization bypass vulnerability affecting the buddyboss-platform WordPress plugin versions prior to 2.7.60. The vulnerability stems from improper access control mechanisms within the plugin, specifically allowing any logged-in user to view comments on private posts that should otherwise be restricted. This issue is classified under CWE-639 (Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key), indicating that the plugin fails to properly validate user permissions when accessing sensitive content. The vulnerability does not require any special privileges beyond being logged in, nor does it require user interaction beyond authentication. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 reflects a network attack vector with low attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and a high impact on confidentiality, while integrity and availability remain unaffected. Exploiting this flaw allows unauthorized disclosure of private comments, potentially exposing sensitive discussions or information intended only for select users. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability's nature and ease of exploitation make it a significant risk for affected WordPress sites using this plugin. The lack of a patch link suggests that a fix may not yet be publicly available, increasing the urgency for mitigation.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a considerable risk to confidentiality, especially for entities relying on the buddyboss-platform plugin to manage private communications or sensitive user-generated content. Organizations in sectors such as education, healthcare, finance, and government that use WordPress with this plugin could inadvertently expose private comments, leading to data leaks, reputational damage, and potential regulatory non-compliance under GDPR. The exposure of private comments could also facilitate social engineering or targeted attacks if sensitive information is disclosed. Since the vulnerability requires only a logged-in user, it could be exploited by insiders or attackers who have gained basic access, increasing the threat surface. The impact is particularly critical for organizations that use private posts to share confidential information or coordinate sensitive activities.

Immediate mitigation steps include upgrading the buddyboss-platform plugin to version 2.7.60 or later once available, as this version addresses the access control flaw. Until a patch is released, organizations should restrict plugin usage to trusted users only and consider disabling the plugin if private post confidentiality is critical. Implementing additional access controls at the WordPress level, such as restricting comment viewing capabilities via custom roles or capability management plugins, can help reduce exposure. Monitoring user activity logs for unusual access patterns to private posts or comments is recommended to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also review and audit private post comment permissions and consider alternative secure communication channels if confidentiality cannot be assured. Finally, maintaining up-to-date backups and preparing an incident response plan for potential data exposure incidents is prudent.