CVE-2026-12073: ProfileGrid - User Profiles, Groups and Communities <= 5.9.9.5 - Unauthenticated Privilege Escalation via Email Overwrite
The ProfileGrid – User Profiles, Groups and Communities plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to privilege escalation via account takeover in all versions up to, and including, 5.9.9.5. This is due to the plugin not validating a userlogin on registration forms that don't contain this parameter, and not properly handling the error messages. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to change email address of user account with ID=1 (usually an administrator), and leverage that to reset the user's password and gain access to their account.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
ProfileGrid - User Profiles, Groups and Communities (WordPress plugin)to a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 5.9.9.5
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-12073?
CVE-2026-12073 has a critical severity rating of 9.8.
How do I fix CVE-2026-12073?
To fix CVE-2026-12073, update the ProfileGrid plugin for WordPress to at least version 5.9.9.6 or later.
What is the risk associated with CVE-2026-12073?
CVE-2026-12073 poses a risk of unauthenticated privilege escalation, which could allow attackers to take over user accounts.
Is CVE-2026-12073 present in all versions of ProfileGrid?
Yes, CVE-2026-12073 is present in all versions of ProfileGrid up to and including 5.9.9.5.
What causes the vulnerability in CVE-2026-12073?
The vulnerability in CVE-2026-12073 is caused by the plugin not validating the 'user_login' parameter on registration forms.