CVSS Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Lifecycle Timeline
3Description
The Debugger & Troubleshooter plugin for WordPress was vulnerable to Unauthenticated Privilege Escalation in versions up to and including 1.3.2. This was due to the plugin accepting the wp_debug_troubleshoot_simulate_user cookie value directly as a user ID without any cryptographic validation or authorization checks. The cookie value was used to override the determine_current_user filter, which allowed unauthenticated attackers to impersonate any user by simply setting the cookie to their target user ID. This made it possible for unauthenticated attackers to gain administrator-level access and perform any privileged actions including creating new administrator accounts, modifying site content, installing plugins, or taking complete control of the WordPress site. The vulnerability was fixed in version 1.4.0 by implementing a cryptographic token-based validation system where only administrators can initiate user simulation, and the cookie contains a random 64-character token that must be validated against database-stored mappings rather than accepting arbitrary user IDs.
Analysis
Unauthenticated privilege escalation in Debugger & Troubleshooter WordPress plugin (versions ≤1.3.2) allows remote attackers to gain administrator access by manipulating a cookie value. Attackers can set the wp_debug_troubleshoot_simulate_user cookie to any user ID without cryptographic validation, bypassing all authentication and authorization checks to immediately impersonate administrators. …
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Remediation
Within 24 hours: identify all WordPress installations using Debugger & Troubleshooter plugin ≤1.3.2 via plugin inventory or security scanning; immediately disable and remove the plugin if still on vulnerable versions. Within 7 days: upgrade to Debugger & Troubleshooter version 1.4.0 or later on all remaining installations; verify patch installation and monitor WordPress admin logs for unauthorized access attempts. …
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External POC / Exploit Code
Leaving vuln.today
EUVD-2026-17245
GHSA-24w3-v7fc-cjwv