CVE-2026-24604 identifies a missing authorization vulnerability in the themebeez Simple GDPR Cookie Compliance plugin, specifically affecting versions up to and including 2.0.0. The vulnerability arises from incorrectly configured access control security levels, which fail to properly restrict unauthorized users from performing certain actions within the plugin. This missing authorization means that an attacker, without proper credentials or permissions, could exploit the plugin to bypass intended access restrictions. The plugin is designed to help websites comply with GDPR cookie consent requirements by managing user consent for cookies. Since GDPR compliance is mandatory for European websites, this plugin is widely deployed across many organizations. The vulnerability does not currently have known exploits in the wild, but its presence poses a significant risk because unauthorized access could lead to manipulation of cookie consent settings or exposure of user consent data. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, but the nature of the vulnerability—missing authorization—typically allows attackers to perform unauthorized actions, potentially compromising confidentiality and integrity of user consent data. The vulnerability was published on January 23, 2026, and no patches or fixes have been linked yet, indicating that organizations must proactively implement mitigations. The lack of authentication bypass or user interaction requirements suggests that exploitation could be straightforward if the vulnerable plugin is accessible. Given the plugin’s role in GDPR compliance, exploitation could lead to regulatory non-compliance, reputational damage, and potential legal penalties for affected organizations.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2026-24604 is significant due to the critical role GDPR cookie compliance plugins play in managing user consent and data privacy. Exploitation could allow unauthorized actors to alter cookie consent settings, potentially leading to the collection or processing of personal data without proper user consent. This undermines GDPR compliance, exposing organizations to regulatory fines and legal actions. Additionally, unauthorized access to consent data could compromise user privacy and trust. The integrity of consent records may be damaged, complicating audit trails and compliance verification. Availability impact is likely limited, but the confidentiality and integrity impacts are substantial. Organizations relying on this plugin for compliance risk reputational harm and loss of customer confidence if the vulnerability is exploited. The absence of known exploits in the wild provides a window for remediation, but the potential for misuse remains high, especially in sectors handling sensitive personal data such as finance, healthcare, and e-commerce.

To mitigate CVE-2026-24604, organizations should first verify if they are using the themebeez Simple GDPR Cookie Compliance plugin, particularly versions up to 2.0.0. Immediate steps include restricting access to the plugin’s administrative interfaces through network-level controls such as IP whitelisting and web application firewalls (WAFs). Implement strict role-based access controls (RBAC) within the content management system to ensure only authorized personnel can modify cookie compliance settings. Monitor logs for unusual access patterns or unauthorized changes to cookie consent configurations. Since no official patch is currently available, consider temporarily disabling the plugin or replacing it with an alternative GDPR compliance solution that has verified security controls. Engage with the vendor or security community for updates or patches. Conduct regular security audits and penetration tests focusing on access control mechanisms. Educate administrators about the risks of misconfigured access controls and enforce strong authentication methods, including multi-factor authentication (MFA) for administrative accounts. Finally, prepare incident response plans to quickly address any exploitation attempts or data privacy incidents related to this vulnerability.