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CVE-2026-16051 – Remote Code Execution – WPMU DEV Updates (wpmudev-updates) Plugin < 5.0.1

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Summary

CVE-2026-16051 is a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting the WPMU DEV Dashboard (wpmudev-updates) WordPress plugin in all versions prior to 5.0.1. The plugin’s remote management interface fails to verify the integrity of packages being installed and does not protect signed management requests against replay attacks, allowing an attacker in possession of a valid signed request to install and execute arbitrary code on the target site. The issue is classified as CWE-94 (Improper Control of Generation of Code / Code Injection) and carries a Critical CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8.

Technical details

  • Root cause: The plugin’s remote/Hub management handler does not validate the integrity of packages (e.g., plugin/theme ZIP files) supplied during a remote installation action, and does not enforce anti-replay protections on otherwise-signed management requests.
  • Trigger condition: An attacker who obtains or intercepts a validly signed management request (e.g., via a leaked/forged/replayed request) can resend or reuse it to trigger privileged Hub actions.
  • Attack vector: Network-based, no authentication or user interaction required (AV:N, PR:N, UI:N) — the vulnerable handler is exposed via the plugin’s remote management interface.
  • Impact: Successful exploitation allows an attacker to instruct the site to install and execute arbitrary code supplied from an attacker-controlled source, resulting in full remote code execution and complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected WordPress site.
  • Related issue: This flaw is closely related to a separate authentication bypass in the same plugin (affecting versions up to 5.0.0) that can make it easier to forge or capture the signed requests this vulnerability abuses; both issues are resolved together in version 5.0.1.

Affected software

  • WPMU DEV Dashboard / Updates plugin (wpmudev-updates) for WordPress — all versions before 5.0.1

Severity

  • CVSS v3.1 Base Score: 9.8 (Critical)
  • Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Mitigation and recommended actions

  • Immediate: Update the WPMU DEV Dashboard / Updates plugin to version 5.0.1 or later, which restores package integrity verification and replay protection on the remote management interface.
  • If immediate patching is not possible:
    • Restrict or firewall access to the plugin’s remote management endpoints from untrusted networks.
    • Monitor for unexpected plugin/theme installations, activations, or core updates initiated outside of normal administrative workflows.
    • Rotate/regenerate any WPMU DEV Hub site API keys/credentials associated with the site to invalidate potentially captured signed requests.
    • Review site logs for unauthorized administrative actions (plugin installs, deletions, core upgrades, or SSO logins) as an indicator of exploitation attempts.

References

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