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CVE-2026-12281

HIGH 8.1 PoC AVAILABLE

Published 2026-07-15 · Last modified 2026-07-15

The Shibboleth WordPress plugin before 2.5.4 does not fail closed when its HTTP header identity mode is enabled without an anti-spoofing key, treating any request that carries identity headers as an authenticated session without verifying them. On a deployment where untrusted client headers reach the application, an unauthenticated attacker can log in with forged identity headers and, when automatic account creation and the default administrator role mapping are enabled, create and sign in as a new administrator. Exploitation requires the non-default HTTP header attribute mode, an empty or absent spoof key, automatic account creation enabled, and a deployment that does not strip untrusted client headers before they reach the application.

EXPLOIT AVAILABLE

Public exploit or PoC code exists. Modeled probability is still low, but the barrier to attack is reduced — watch closely.

Exploitation likelihood

0.2%chance of exploitation in 30 days · 14th percentile

○ In CISA KEV ● Public exploit / PoC

Impact if exploited

8.1CVSS 3.1 · HIGH

  • ConfidentialityHigh
  • IntegrityHigh
  • AvailabilityHigh

What an attacker needs

  • ✓Access: Reachable over the network — no local access needed
  • ✓Privileges: No account or privileges required
  • ✓User interaction: No user interaction needed
  • ⚠Complexity: Needs a race window or specific setup

✓ lowers the bar for an attacker · ⚠ raises it

Proof of concept & exploit code

Test against your own equipment

curl -s https://vulnpedia.com/cve/CVE-2026-12281/poc.jsonMachine-readable PoC index for this CVE (for automation).

Listed for defensive triage, patch verification, and authorized testing on systems you own. Machine-readable: /cve/CVE-2026-12281/poc.json

Affected

Vendors Unknown

Products Shibboleth

Weakness (CWE)

  • CWE-287: Improper Authentication

CVSS vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

All CVSS metrics

  • HIGH 8.1 v3.1 · ADP Primary
    CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
  • HIGH 8.1 v3.1 · NVD Secondary
    CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

References

Exploits & PoC

Sources: NVD · CVE.org · EPSS