Summary
CVE-2026-18032 is an unauthenticated information disclosure vulnerability (CWE-200) in the WP Data Access WordPress plugin in all versions before 5.5.79. The plugin fails to validate column names supplied to one of its unauthenticated AJAX actions, allowing a remote attacker to read arbitrary database columns — including user password hashes — without authentication. It carries a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.5 (High).
Technical details
- Root cause: The plugin does not validate the column names it accepts on one of its unauthenticated AJAX actions, and the nonce protecting the action does not cover the column name parameter.
- Trigger conditions: An attacker sends a request to the vulnerable unauthenticated AJAX action specifying arbitrary database column names.
- Attack vector: Network; the action is reachable by unauthenticated remote attackers (Attack Complexity Low, no privileges or user interaction required).
- Impact: Disclosure of arbitrary database columns, including sensitive data such as user password hashes. Confidentiality impact is High; integrity and availability are not affected.
Affected software
- WP Data Access WordPress plugin: all versions before 5.5.79.
- Fixed in version 5.5.79.
Severity
- CVSS v3.1 base score: 7.5 (High)
- Vector:
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
Mitigation and recommended actions
- Immediate: Update the WP Data Access plugin to version 5.5.79 or later.
- If no patch can be applied: Restrict access to the WordPress AJAX endpoint (
admin-ajax.php) at the network or WAF layer, and consider disabling the plugin until it can be updated.

