CVE-2026-1291: CWE-639 Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key in tigroumeow Meow Gallery
The Meow Gallery plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the REST API endpoint /wp-json/meow-gallery/v1/save_shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 5.4.4 This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Author-level access and above, to arbitrarily create or overwrite existing gallery shortcode records by supplying a user-controlled id value. The endpoint performs database update operations without verifying that the requesting user is authorized to modify the referenced gallery record or create their own.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-1291 describes an authorization bypass vulnerability in the Meow Gallery WordPress plugin (versions up to and including 5.4.4). The REST API endpoint /wp-json/meow-gallery/v1/save_shortcode lacks proper capability checks, allowing authenticated users with Author-level privileges or above to arbitrarily create or overwrite gallery shortcode records by supplying a user-controlled ID. The endpoint performs database update operations without verifying the user's authorization to modify the targeted gallery record, leading to unauthorized data modification.
Potential Impact
An attacker with Author-level or higher privileges can modify or create gallery shortcode records arbitrarily, potentially leading to unauthorized changes in gallery content. The vulnerability does not affect confidentiality or availability but impacts data integrity within the plugin's scope.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, restrict Author-level access to trusted users only and monitor for unusual activity related to gallery shortcode modifications.
CVE-2026-1291: CWE-639 Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key in tigroumeow Meow Gallery
Description
The Meow Gallery plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the REST API endpoint /wp-json/meow-gallery/v1/save_shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 5.4.4 This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Author-level access and above, to arbitrarily create or overwrite existing gallery shortcode records by supplying a user-controlled id value. The endpoint performs database update operations without verifying that the requesting user is authorized to modify the referenced gallery record or create their own.
CVSS v3.1
Score 4.3medium
Affected software
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-1291 describes an authorization bypass vulnerability in the Meow Gallery WordPress plugin (versions up to and including 5.4.4). The REST API endpoint /wp-json/meow-gallery/v1/save_shortcode lacks proper capability checks, allowing authenticated users with Author-level privileges or above to arbitrarily create or overwrite gallery shortcode records by supplying a user-controlled ID. The endpoint performs database update operations without verifying the user's authorization to modify the targeted gallery record, leading to unauthorized data modification.
Potential Impact
An attacker with Author-level or higher privileges can modify or create gallery shortcode records arbitrarily, potentially leading to unauthorized changes in gallery content. The vulnerability does not affect confidentiality or availability but impacts data integrity within the plugin's scope.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until a fix is available, restrict Author-level access to trusted users only and monitor for unusual activity related to gallery shortcode modifications.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- Wordfence
- Date Reserved
- 2026-01-21T16:18:13.278Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a2d21c9e617e2d834ac3306
Added to database: 06/13/2026, 09:24:25 UTC
Last enriched: 06/20/2026, 15:59:32 UTC
Last updated: 07/31/2026, 19:22:57 UTC
Views: 153
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