CVE-2026-9842
CVE-2026-9842 is a high-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. 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: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (17th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- Weakness: CWE-269
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
The Backstage - Customizer Demo Access plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Privilege Escalation in all versions up to, and including, 1.4.2. This is due to the plugin assigning the `manage_options` capability to the `backstage_customizer_user` demo role, which is more permissive than necessary for Customizer-only demo access. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to navigate beyond the Customizer and update arbitrary WordPress options such as `default_role`, leading to privilege escalation.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2026-9842?
- The Backstage - Customizer Demo Access plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Privilege Escalation in all versions up to, and including, 1.4.2. This is due to the plugin assigning the `manage_options` capability to the `backstage_customizer_user` demo role, which is more permissive than necessary for Customizer-only demo access. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to navigate beyond the Customizer and update arbitrary WordPress options such as `default_role`, leading to privilege escalation.
- How severe is CVE-2026-9842?
- CVE-2026-9842 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability none.
- Is CVE-2026-9842 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (17th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- How do I fix CVE-2026-9842?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- When was CVE-2026-9842 published?
- CVE-2026-9842 was published on 2026-07-08.
References
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/backstage/tags/1.4.2/includes/class-Backstage.php#L154
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/backstage/tags/1.4.2/includes/class-Backstage.php#L348
- https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/5bcf1f02-0946-4e96-a81b-00c7c48d64b3?source=cve
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