Unauthorized Access Risk in WP Directory Kit WordPress Plugin by WPScan
CVE-2026-16594

7.5HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor

WordPress
Status
WP Directory Kit
Vendor
CVE Published:
8 August 2026

Badges

👾 Exploit Exists🟡 Public PoC

What is CVE-2026-16594?

The WP Directory Kit plugin for WordPress, prior to version 1.5.5, contains a significant security flaw that lacks proper authorization and nonce validation on an authenticated AJAX action. This oversight enables any authenticated user, such as a Subscriber, to access and potentially disclose sensitive plugin settings, including critical API keys and secret tokens. Such exposure can lead to unauthorized actions and compromises the integrity of the WordPress site using this plugin.

Affected Version(s)

WP Directory Kit 0 < 1.5.5

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-2026-16594 - Proof of Concept

References

https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/d055d385-7e8a-4179-aa21-...
exploitvdb-entrytechnical-description

CVSS V3.1

Score:
7.5
Severity:
HIGH
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
None
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Network
Attack Complexity:
Low
Privileges Required:
None
User Interaction:
None
Scope:
Unchanged

Timeline

  • 🟡

    Public PoC available

  • 👾

    Exploit known to exist

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

Credit

Yaswanth Reddy Sunkara
WPScan
.