Description

The Accelerate theme for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the enqueue_scripts() function in all versions up to, and including, 1.5.3. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to install and activate the ThemeGrill Demo Importer plugin.

Executive Summary

Technical Details

Mitigations

References

Additional Metadata

{
  "score": "4.3",
  "pubDate": "2026-08-06T12:16:26.680Z",
  "pubdate": "2026-08-06T12:16:26.680Z",
  "executiveSummary": "An unauthorized data modification vulnerability exists in the Accelerate theme for WordPress, affecting all versions up to and including 1.5.3. The security flaw stems from a missing capability check within a sensitive execution path, specifically targeting the enqueue_scripts() function.\nThis vulnerability allows authenticated remote threat actors, possessing low-privilege Subscriber-level access and above, to execute unauthorized administrative actions. Specifically, successful exploitation enables attackers to remotely install and activate the ThemeGrill Demo Importer plugin without possessing the requisite administrative privileges.\nThe primary risk implication involves unauthorized plugin installation, which broadens the attack surface of the affected WordPress instance. If the automatically installed plugin itself contains vulnerabilities, or if its functionality is subsequently abused, it can lead to further compromise, data leakage, or full site takeover.\nThe exploitation requirement mandates authenticated access at the Subscriber tier or higher, meaning open registration or compromised low-privilege user accounts are prerequisites for a successful attack. Remediation requires restricting access to the vulnerable function or updating the theme once a patched version is released.",
  "technicalDetails": "The root cause of the vulnerability resides in the improper access control implementation within the Accelerate theme codebase. Specifically, the enqueue_scripts() function fails to perform an adequate capability check, such as current_user_can(), prior to executing sensitive operational logic.\nThe affected component is the enqueue_scripts() function handling backend script registration and conditional logic within all versions up to and including 1.5.3 of the Accelerate theme. Because the function lacks requisite authorization validation, any authenticated user regardless of their assigned role can trigger its underlying execution flow.\nThe exploitation method relies on sending crafted HTTP requests that invoke the insecure function context. An authenticated attacker with Subscriber-level access can interact with the vulnerable endpoint or hook, bypassing intended privilege boundaries. Upon invocation, the vulnerable function processes instructions that automatically trigger the installation and subsequent activation of the ThemeGrill Demo Importer plugin.\nThe step-by-step attack flow proceeds as follows: First, the attacker authenticates to the WordPress target using a low-privilege Subscriber account. Second, the attacker crafts or intercepts an HTTP request designed to invoke the functionality governed by enqueue_scripts(). Third, due to the missing capability verification, the application processes the request without validating whether the user holds administrator or installer privileges. Finally, the execution flow proceeds to install and activate the target plugin, yielding unauthorized data and system state modification.\nThe post-exploitation impact includes unauthorized modification of the WordPress plugin ecosystem. By forcing the installation and activation of the ThemeGrill Demo Importer plugin, the attacker introduces new code components into the runtime environment. This establishes a baseline for potential chained exploits against newly introduced plugin endpoints or administrative features not normally accessible to Subscriber-level accounts."
}