CVE-2026-15341: User Session Synchronizer <= 1.4.0 - Unauthenticated Authentication Bypass to Account Takeover via 'ussync-key', 'ussync-token', and 'ussync-ref' Parameters
The User Session Synchronizer plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Authentication Bypass leading to Account Takeover in all versions up to, and including, 1.4.0. The synchronizesession() function, hooked on init and therefore executed on every request, performs no nonce, capability, or shared-secret validation against the attacker-supplied ussync-key, ussync-token, and ussync-ref parameters; when ussync-key references an unregistered slot, getoption() returns false for both the secret key and the domain list, causing the AES-256-CBC encryption key to degrade to the fully predictable md5('') and the referer allowlist to collapse to an empty-string match, while the AES IV is unconditionally hard-coded as md5('another-secret'). This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to supply a crafted request encrypting any known or guessable user email address in the ussync-ref parameter, causing the handler to call wpsetauthcookie() for the matched user and granting full authentication as that user — including administrators — with no prior knowledge of site secrets.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
User Session Synchronizer (WordPress plugin)to a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 1.4.0 - Configuration
Update/adjust the plugin so authenticate/session synchronization requests require nonce, capability, and shared-secret validation, rather than accepting attacker-supplied ussync-key, ussync-token, and ussync-ref parameters.
User Session Synchronizer (WordPress plugin) ussync-key / ussync-token / ussync-ref request validation = require nonce, capability, and shared-secret validation
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2026-15341?
The severity of CVE-2026-15341 is rated as critical, with a score of 9.8.
How do I fix CVE-2026-15341?
To fix CVE-2026-15341, update the User Session Synchronizer plugin to a version later than 1.4.0.
What kind of vulnerability is CVE-2026-15341?
CVE-2026-15341 is an unauthenticated authentication bypass vulnerability that can lead to account takeover.
Which software is affected by CVE-2026-15341?
CVE-2026-15341 affects the User Session Synchronizer plugin for WordPress, specifically versions up to and including 1.4.0.
What are the potential impacts of CVE-2026-15341?
Exploitation of CVE-2026-15341 can result in unauthorized access to user accounts, leading to account takeover.