CVE-2026-16142

CVE-2026-16142 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-639.

Key facts

Description

The TrueBooker plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Account Takeover in all versions up to, and including, 1.2.6. This is due to the add_front_user_update() AJAX handler being registered for unauthenticated users and accepting an arbitrary truebooker_wp_user_id value, which is passed directly to wp_update_user() without verifying authentication or ownership. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to change any WordPress user account email address, including an administrator, by submitting the target user ID and an attacker-controlled email address. An attacker can then use the native WordPress password reset flow to receive the reset link at the attacker-controlled email address and take over the account.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2026-16142?
The TrueBooker plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Account Takeover in all versions up to, and including, 1.2.6. This is due to the add_front_user_update() AJAX handler being registered for unauthenticated users and accepting an arbitrary truebooker_wp_user_id value, which is passed directly to wp_update_user() without verifying authentication or ownership. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to change any WordPress user account email address, including an administrator, by submitting the target user ID and an attacker-controlled email address. An attacker can then use the native WordPress password reset flow to receive the reset link at the attacker-controlled email address and take over the account.
How severe is CVE-2026-16142?
CVE-2026-16142 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-2026-16142 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (31st percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
How do I fix CVE-2026-16142?
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.
When was CVE-2026-16142 published?
CVE-2026-16142 was published on 2026-08-15 and last updated on 2026-08-20.

References

Other CWE-639 (Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key (IDOR)) vulnerabilities

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