CVE-2026-0593 is a vulnerability identified in the WP Go Maps plugin for WordPress, formerly known as WP Google Maps, affecting all versions up to and including 10.0.04. The root cause is a missing authorization check in the processBackgroundAction() function, which is responsible for handling background actions related to map settings. This missing capability check means that any authenticated user with at least Subscriber-level privileges can invoke this function to modify global map engine settings without proper authorization. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-862 (Missing Authorization) and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.3, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is network-based, requiring no user interaction and no elevated privileges beyond Subscriber access, which is typically the lowest authenticated role in WordPress. The impact primarily concerns integrity, as attackers can alter map configurations, potentially misleading users or disrupting services relying on accurate map data. Confidentiality and availability are not directly impacted. No known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper capability checks in WordPress plugins, especially those that expose administrative or configuration functions to authenticated users. Since WP Go Maps is widely used for embedding and managing maps on WordPress sites, this vulnerability could be leveraged by low-privilege users to alter site behavior or content presentation.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2026-0593 centers on the integrity of web content and user experience. Unauthorized modification of global map engine settings can lead to misinformation, misdirection, or disruption of location-based services on corporate or public-facing websites. This can damage organizational reputation, reduce user trust, and potentially affect business operations that rely on accurate geospatial data. Although the vulnerability does not directly expose sensitive data or cause service outages, the ability for low-privilege users to alter site functionality represents a significant risk, especially for organizations with multiple contributors or less stringent user role management. In sectors such as tourism, logistics, real estate, and public services—where maps are critical—this vulnerability could be exploited to mislead users or interfere with service delivery. Given the widespread use of WordPress and the popularity of WP Go Maps in Europe, the threat is relevant for a broad range of organizations, from SMEs to large enterprises and government entities.

1. Immediately restrict Subscriber-level user capabilities by reviewing and tightening role permissions, ensuring that only trusted users have authenticated access. 2. Monitor for plugin updates from the WP Go Maps vendor and apply patches promptly once available. 3. Until an official patch is released, implement custom code or use security plugins to enforce capability checks on the processBackgroundAction() function, preventing unauthorized access. 4. Conduct regular audits of user roles and access rights to minimize the number of users with authenticated access. 5. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block suspicious requests targeting the vulnerable function. 6. Educate site administrators and content managers about the risks of granting unnecessary privileges. 7. Consider alternative mapping plugins with better security track records if immediate patching is not feasible. 8. Enable logging and monitoring of changes to map settings to detect unauthorized modifications quickly.