CVE-2024-9522: CWE-288 Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel in lagunaisw WP Users Masquerade
The WP Users Masquerade plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to authentication bypass in versions up to, and including, 2.0.0. This is due to incorrect authentication and capability checking in the 'ajax_masq_login' function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level permissions and above, to log in as any existing user on the site, such as an administrator.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2024-9522 is an authentication bypass vulnerability in the WP Users Masquerade plugin for WordPress, affecting versions up to 2.0.0. The issue arises from incorrect authentication and capability verification in the 'ajax_masq_login' function, enabling authenticated users with low-level permissions (subscriber and above) to log in as any other user, including administrators. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-288 (Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel) and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8, indicating high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Potential Impact
An attacker with subscriber-level or higher privileges can bypass authentication controls to impersonate any user on the WordPress site, including administrators. This can lead to full site compromise, unauthorized access to sensitive data, and potential site takeover. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, consider restricting access to the plugin's functionality to trusted users only or disabling the plugin if feasible. Monitor for vendor updates regarding patches or official mitigations.
CVE-2024-9522: CWE-288 Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel in lagunaisw WP Users Masquerade
Description
The WP Users Masquerade plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to authentication bypass in versions up to, and including, 2.0.0. This is due to incorrect authentication and capability checking in the 'ajax_masq_login' function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level permissions and above, to log in as any existing user on the site, such as an administrator.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2024-9522 is an authentication bypass vulnerability in the WP Users Masquerade plugin for WordPress, affecting versions up to 2.0.0. The issue arises from incorrect authentication and capability verification in the 'ajax_masq_login' function, enabling authenticated users with low-level permissions (subscriber and above) to log in as any other user, including administrators. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-288 (Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel) and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8, indicating high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Potential Impact
An attacker with subscriber-level or higher privileges can bypass authentication controls to impersonate any user on the WordPress site, including administrators. This can lead to full site compromise, unauthorized access to sensitive data, and potential site takeover. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, consider restricting access to the plugin's functionality to trusted users only or disabling the plugin if feasible. Monitor for vendor updates regarding patches or official mitigations.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- Wordfence
- Date Reserved
- 2024-10-04T12:12:14.456Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 699f6b4fb7ef31ef0b55160b
Added to database: 2/25/2026, 9:36:15 PM
Last enriched: 4/9/2026, 3:31:33 PM
Last updated: 4/12/2026, 12:50:45 AM
Views: 16
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