CVE-2026-22426 identifies an authorization bypass vulnerability within the Elated-Themes Sweet Jane WordPress theme, specifically versions up to and including 1.2. The vulnerability stems from improperly configured access control mechanisms that rely on a user-controlled key, which an attacker can manipulate to bypass intended authorization checks. This flaw allows an attacker with at least low-level privileges (PR:L) to escalate their access rights without requiring user interaction (UI:N), over a network vector (AV:N). The vulnerability impacts confidentiality and integrity to a limited extent, as unauthorized access could expose or modify data, but it does not affect availability. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.4 reflects these factors. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability's presence in a popular WordPress theme used for website presentation means it could be leveraged to gain unauthorized control over site content or user data. The lack of a patch link indicates that a fix may not yet be available, emphasizing the need for vigilance. The vulnerability is particularly relevant for organizations relying on WordPress sites using the Sweet Jane theme, as exploitation could lead to unauthorized content changes or data leaks, undermining website integrity and trust.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2026-22426 lies in potential unauthorized access to WordPress sites using the Sweet Jane theme. This could result in exposure of sensitive information, unauthorized content modifications, or privilege escalation within the website environment. While the vulnerability does not directly affect system availability, the integrity and confidentiality of website data could be compromised, potentially damaging organizational reputation and customer trust. Organizations in sectors with strict data protection regulations, such as finance, healthcare, and e-commerce, may face compliance risks if personal or sensitive data is exposed. Additionally, compromised websites could be used as vectors for further attacks, including phishing or malware distribution, amplifying the threat. The medium severity suggests a moderate risk level, but the ease of exploitation by users with limited privileges means that insider threats or compromised low-level accounts could be leveraged. European organizations with significant online presence and reliance on WordPress themes should consider this vulnerability a relevant security concern.

1. Monitor Elated-Themes official channels and trusted vulnerability databases for the release of a security patch addressing CVE-2026-22426 and apply it immediately upon availability. 2. In the interim, review and tighten user privilege assignments within WordPress to ensure minimal necessary access, reducing the risk of exploitation by low-privilege users. 3. Conduct an audit of access control configurations related to the Sweet Jane theme, verifying that user-controlled keys or parameters cannot be manipulated to bypass authorization. 4. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious requests attempting to exploit access control weaknesses. 5. Implement continuous monitoring and logging of administrative and theme-related actions to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Educate site administrators and developers about the risks of improper access control and encourage secure coding and configuration practices. 7. Consider temporarily disabling or replacing the Sweet Jane theme with a more secure alternative if patching is delayed and risk is deemed unacceptable.