Insecure API Access in Academy LMS Plugin for WordPress
CVE-2026-16563

6.5MEDIUM

Key Information:

Vendor

WordPress
Status
Academy Lms
Vendor
CVE Published:
3 August 2026

Badges

👾 Exploit Exists🟡 Public PoC

What is CVE-2026-16563?

The Academy LMS WordPress plugin versions before 3.8.3 contains a vulnerability where the REST API does not properly verify course enrollment or status of lesson publication. This oversight allows users with a Subscriber-level account to access the content of lessons they are not enrolled in. This includes lessons that are part of paid courses and those that are unpublished, posing a significant risk to sensitive educational content.

Affected Version(s)

Academy LMS 0 < 3.8.3

Exploit Proof of Concept (PoC)

PoC code is written by security researchers to demonstrate the vulnerability can be exploited. PoC code is also a key component for weaponization which could lead to ransomware.

CVE-2026-16563 - Proof of Concept

References

https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/eec480b0-67af-4642-b6b3-...
exploitvdb-entrytechnical-description

CVSS V3.1

Score:
6.5
Severity:
MEDIUM
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
None
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Network
Attack Complexity:
Low
Privileges Required:
Low
User Interaction:
None
Scope:
Unchanged

Timeline

  • 🟡

    Public PoC available

  • 👾

    Exploit known to exist

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

Credit

Pedro Pinho
WPScan
.