Vulnerability Description
The Chatbot plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Missing Authorization in versions up to, and including, 8.5.9 via the wpcs_send_email() AJAX handler. This is due to the wpcs_send_email() function being registered on both wp_ajax_wpcs_send_email and wp_ajax_nopriv_wpcs_send_email with no nonce verification, capability check, or rate limiting, while forwarding attacker-controlled recipient, subject, and body directly to wp_mail(). This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to send arbitrary emails to any recipient from the site's domain, enabling spam, phishing, and abuse that can lead to the site's IP/domain being blacklisted.
CVSS Score
MEDIUM
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/chatbot/tags/8.5.9/includes/chat-sess
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/chatbot/tags/8.5.9/includes/chat-sess
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/chatbot/tags/8.5.9/includes/chat-sess
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset?reponame=&old=3621386%40chatbot&new
- https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/3cc6aa06-ab2a-4d5c-bbb
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-16774?
CVE-2026-16774 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 5.3 (MEDIUM). The Chatbot plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Missing Authorization in versions up to, and including, 8.5.9 via the wpcs_send_email() AJAX handler. This is due to the wpcs_send_email() function be...
How severe is CVE-2026-16774?
CVE-2026-16774 has been rated MEDIUM with a CVSS base score of 5.3/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.
Is there a patch for CVE-2026-16774?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Review vendor security bulletins for remediation guidance.