CVE-2026-8293: CWE-287 Improper Authentication in Really Simple Security
Really Simple Security WordPress plugin versions before 9.5.10.1 contain an authentication bypass vulnerability. The plugin fails to enforce the second-factor challenge on two of its two-factor authentication REST endpoints. This allows an attacker who knows a user's password to obtain a valid WordPress authentication session without completing the required email OTP challenge. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) and has a high severity with a CVSS score of 7.5.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-8293 describes an improper authentication vulnerability in the Really Simple Security WordPress plugin prior to version 9.5.10.1. Specifically, two REST endpoints related to two-factor authentication do not enforce the second-factor email OTP challenge. As a result, an attacker with knowledge of a user's password can bypass the second factor and gain an authenticated session as that user. This flaw violates the intended two-factor authentication mechanism, undermining account security.
Potential Impact
An attacker who knows a valid user's password can bypass the second-factor authentication step and obtain a valid WordPress authentication session. This compromises the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected user's account, potentially allowing unauthorized access and actions within the WordPress environment.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since no official fix or patch link is provided, users should monitor the vendor's announcements for updates. Until a fix is available, consider disabling the affected two-factor authentication REST endpoints or the Really Simple Security plugin if feasible to prevent exploitation.
CVE-2026-8293: CWE-287 Improper Authentication in Really Simple Security
Description
Really Simple Security WordPress plugin versions before 9.5.10.1 contain an authentication bypass vulnerability. The plugin fails to enforce the second-factor challenge on two of its two-factor authentication REST endpoints. This allows an attacker who knows a user's password to obtain a valid WordPress authentication session without completing the required email OTP challenge. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) and has a high severity with a CVSS score of 7.5.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.5high
Affected software
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-8293 describes an improper authentication vulnerability in the Really Simple Security WordPress plugin prior to version 9.5.10.1. Specifically, two REST endpoints related to two-factor authentication do not enforce the second-factor email OTP challenge. As a result, an attacker with knowledge of a user's password can bypass the second factor and gain an authenticated session as that user. This flaw violates the intended two-factor authentication mechanism, undermining account security.
Potential Impact
An attacker who knows a valid user's password can bypass the second-factor authentication step and obtain a valid WordPress authentication session. This compromises the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected user's account, potentially allowing unauthorized access and actions within the WordPress environment.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since no official fix or patch link is provided, users should monitor the vendor's announcements for updates. Until a fix is available, consider disabling the affected two-factor authentication REST endpoints or the Really Simple Security plugin if feasible to prevent exploitation.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- WPScan
- Date Reserved
- 2026-05-11T08:12:42.273Z
- Cvss Version
- null
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a1e8047e29bf47b509cf046
Added to database: 06/02/2026, 07:03:35 UTC
Last enriched: 06/09/2026, 09:54:02 UTC
Last updated: 07/31/2026, 19:23:00 UTC
Views: 74
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