CVE-2024-9215: CWE-639 Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key in publishpress Co-Authors, Multiple Authors and Guest Authors in an Author Box with PublishPress Authors
The Co-Authors, Multiple Authors and Guest Authors in an Author Box with PublishPress Authors plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Insecure Direct Object Reference to Privilege Escalation/Account Takeover in all versions up to, and including, 4.7.1 via the action_edited_author() due to missing validation on the 'authors-user_id' user controlled key. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Author-level access and above, to update arbitrary user accounts email addresses, including administrators, which can then be leveraged to reset that user's account password and gain access.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2024-9215 is an authorization bypass vulnerability (CWE-639) in the PublishPress Authors plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting the Co-Authors, Multiple Authors and Guest Authors in an Author Box feature. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient validation of the 'authors-user_id' parameter in the action_edited_author() function, allowing authenticated users with Author-level privileges or higher to update email addresses of arbitrary user accounts, including administrators. This can be leveraged to reset passwords and take over accounts. The issue affects all versions up to and including 4.7.1. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.8, indicating high severity. There is no vendor advisory or patch link provided, and the plugin is not a cloud service.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an authenticated attacker with Author-level access or higher to modify email addresses of any user account, including administrators. This can facilitate password resets and full account takeover, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected WordPress installations. The high CVSS score reflects the critical impact on user account security and potential site control.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, restrict Author-level user permissions where possible and monitor for suspicious account changes. Avoid granting Author-level access to untrusted users. Follow updates from PublishPress for a security patch addressing this vulnerability.
CVE-2024-9215: CWE-639 Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key in publishpress Co-Authors, Multiple Authors and Guest Authors in an Author Box with PublishPress Authors
Description
The Co-Authors, Multiple Authors and Guest Authors in an Author Box with PublishPress Authors plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Insecure Direct Object Reference to Privilege Escalation/Account Takeover in all versions up to, and including, 4.7.1 via the action_edited_author() due to missing validation on the 'authors-user_id' user controlled key. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Author-level access and above, to update arbitrary user accounts email addresses, including administrators, which can then be leveraged to reset that user's account password and gain access.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2024-9215 is an authorization bypass vulnerability (CWE-639) in the PublishPress Authors plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting the Co-Authors, Multiple Authors and Guest Authors in an Author Box feature. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient validation of the 'authors-user_id' parameter in the action_edited_author() function, allowing authenticated users with Author-level privileges or higher to update email addresses of arbitrary user accounts, including administrators. This can be leveraged to reset passwords and take over accounts. The issue affects all versions up to and including 4.7.1. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.8, indicating high severity. There is no vendor advisory or patch link provided, and the plugin is not a cloud service.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an authenticated attacker with Author-level access or higher to modify email addresses of any user account, including administrators. This can facilitate password resets and full account takeover, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected WordPress installations. The high CVSS score reflects the critical impact on user account security and potential site control.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is released, restrict Author-level user permissions where possible and monitor for suspicious account changes. Avoid granting Author-level access to untrusted users. Follow updates from PublishPress for a security patch addressing this vulnerability.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- Wordfence
- Date Reserved
- 2024-09-26T16:03:28.660Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 699f6b43b7ef31ef0b550a3e
Added to database: 2/25/2026, 9:36:03 PM
Last enriched: 4/9/2026, 8:38:23 AM
Last updated: 4/12/2026, 6:18:39 PM
Views: 19
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.