How severe is CVE-2023-26540?

CVE-2023-26540 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2023-26540 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (84th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2023-26540?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

Does CVE-2023-26540 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?

Yes. CVE-2023-26540 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2023-30337.

When was CVE-2023-26540 published?

CVE-2023-26540 was published on 2024-05-17 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2023-26540

CVE-2023-26540 is a critical-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-269.

Key facts

Severity: Critical (CVSS 3.x base score 9.8)
EPSS exploit prediction: 3% (84th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2023-30337
Weakness: CWE-269
Published: 2024-05-17
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Improper Privilege Management vulnerability in Favethemes Houzez allows Privilege Escalation.This issue affects Houzez: from n/a through 2.7.1.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-26540?: Improper Privilege Management vulnerability in Favethemes Houzez allows Privilege Escalation.This issue affects Houzez: from n/a through 2.7.1.
How severe is CVE-2023-26540?: CVE-2023-26540 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2023-26540 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (84th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
How do I fix CVE-2023-26540?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
Does CVE-2023-26540 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?: Yes. CVE-2023-26540 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2023-30337.
When was CVE-2023-26540 published?: CVE-2023-26540 was published on 2024-05-17 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/houzez/wordpress-houzez-theme-2-7-1-privilege-escalation?_s_id=cve

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