A maximum-severity security flaw in the WordPress plugin Modular DS has come under active exploitation, enabling attackers to gain administrative access to vulnerable websites.

Vulnerability Details

CVE-2026-23550

  • CVSS Score: 10.0 (Critical)
  • Type: Unauthenticated Privilege Escalation
  • Exploitation: Active in the wild

The vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to escalate privileges and gain full administrative control over WordPress installations running the vulnerable plugin.

Attack Scenario

  1. Attacker identifies WordPress site with Modular DS installed
  2. Exploit sent without requiring any authentication
  3. Attacker gains administrator privileges
  4. Full site compromise achieved

Potential Impact

Attackers with admin access can:

  • Inject malware into website pages
  • Steal user data from databases
  • Deploy web shells for persistent access
  • Use site for phishing or malware distribution
  • Deface website or destroy content
  • Pivot to hosting infrastructure

Immediate Actions

Site administrators should:

  1. Check if Modular DS is installed via Plugins menu
  2. Update immediately if a patch is available
  3. Deactivate and delete if no patch exists
  4. Scan for indicators of compromise
  5. Review admin accounts for unauthorized additions
  6. Check for unknown plugins or file modifications

Detection Indicators

Look for:

  • New administrator accounts
  • Modified core WordPress files
  • Unknown plugins or themes
  • Suspicious scheduled tasks (wp-cron)
  • Unfamiliar files in uploads directory

WordPress Security Recommendations

  • Keep all plugins updated
  • Remove unused plugins
  • Use security plugins (Wordfence, Sucuri)
  • Implement Web Application Firewall
  • Regular backup and monitoring
  • Limit plugin installations to trusted sources