CVE-2026-5415 Details
Description
The WP Captcha PRO (the premium version of the Advanced Google reCAPTCHA plugin, both have the same slug) plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Authentication Bypass in all versions up to, and including, 5.38. This is due to the ajax_run_tool() AJAX handler relying solely on a nonce check (check_ajax_referer) for security without performing any capability check, combined with the create_temporary_link tool allowing the generation of passwordless login links for arbitrary users, and the handle_temporary_links() function authenticating visitors via these links without any additional authorization validation. The required nonce is exposed to all authenticated backend users (including Subscribers) via wp_localize_script() on all non-settings admin pages when the plugin's welcome pointer has not been dismissed. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to bypass normal authentication and log in as any user, including Administrators, resulting in complete account takeover.
A vulnerability allowing authentication bypass has been identified in the WP Captcha PRO plugin for WordPress, affecting all versions through 5.38. This vulnerability arises because the ajax_run_tool() AJAX handler relies solely on a nonce check for security, without any capability validation. Additionally, the create_temporary_link tool can generate passwordless login links for arbitrary users, and the handle_temporary_links() function uses these links to authenticate users without further authorization checks. The nonce required for this process is available to all authenticated backend users, including Subscribers, on non-settings admin pages where the plugin's welcome pointer is active. As a result, authenticated attackers with Subscriber-level access or higher can bypass standard authentication and log in as any user, including Administrators, leading to complete account takeover.
Users are advised to update the WP Captcha PRO plugin to version 5.39 or a newer patched version.
Metrics
CVSS 4.0 Severity and Vector Strings:
CVSS 3.x Severity and Vector Strings:
No data available for CVSS Version 2.0 on this CVE.
Volerion
Assessed Jun 5, 2026CISA-ADP
Assessed Jun 6, 2026References to Advisories, Solutions, and Tools
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| URL | Source(s) | Tag(s) |
|---|---|---|
| https://getwpcaptcha.com | [email protected] | ProductVendor |
| https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/8731565f-4d8a-49e6-9c38-6d4f5e51d68c?source=cve | [email protected] | AdvisoryRemedy |
Weakness Enumeration
| CWE-ID | CWE Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| CWE-288 | Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel | [email protected] |
Affected Products
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| WP Captcha PRO | <= 5.38 |
CPE
Remediation
| |
Change History
3 change records found show changes
| Date | Action | Recorded By |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 2026 | CVE Modified | [email protected] |
| Jun 17, 2026 | CVE Modified | CISA-ADP |
| Jun 5, 2026 | New CVE Received | [email protected] |
Volerion