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CVE-2026-16299 – Unauthenticated Arbitrary Password Reset / Full Site Takeover – Single Sign On For

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Summary

CVE-2026-16299 is a critical authentication bypass vulnerability (CWE-287: Improper Authentication) in the "Single Sign On For TNG" WordPress plugin. The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to trigger password resets for arbitrary user accounts, including administrators, due to insufficient validation of password reset requests. Successful exploitation can lead to complete takeover of the affected WordPress site, and the issue carries a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 (Critical).

Technical details

  • Root cause: The plugin does not properly validate password reset requests before processing them, allowing an attacker to reset an account’s password without proving ownership of that account (e.g., without a valid confirmation token or email-based verification step).
  • Trigger conditions: No authentication, privileges, or user interaction are required to exploit the flaw — an attacker only needs network access to the target WordPress site running a vulnerable plugin version.
  • Attack vector: Remote/network-based (AV:N); the vulnerability is exploited by sending a crafted request to the plugin’s password reset functionality.
  • Impact: Full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability is possible — an attacker can reset the password of any account, including administrator accounts, and subsequently gain full administrative control of the WordPress site.

Affected software

  • Single Sign On For TNG WordPress plugin — all versions before 2.2.0

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: Upgrade the "Single Sign On For TNG" plugin to version 2.2.0 or later, which resolves the improper password reset validation.
  • If immediate patching is not possible:
    • Temporarily deactivate the plugin until the update can be applied.
    • Restrict or monitor access to plugin-related AJAX/password-reset endpoints via a WAF or reverse proxy.
    • Enforce multi-factor authentication for administrator accounts to reduce the impact of a compromised credential.
    • Review site and user account logs for unexpected password reset activity or unauthorized administrator logins.

References

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