CVE-2020-13693
Description
An unauthenticated privilege-escalation issue exists in the bbPress plugin before 2.6.5 for WordPress when New User Registration is enabled.
AI Insight
LLM-synthesized narrative grounded in this CVE's description and references.
Affected packages
Versions sourced from the GitHub Security Advisory.
| Package | Affected versions | Patched versions |
|---|---|---|
bbpress/bbpressPackagist | < 2.6.5 | 2.6.5 |
Affected products
2- WordPress/bbPress plugindescription
Patches
Vulnerability mechanics
Root cause
"Improper privilege management during user registration allows an unauthenticated attacker to escalate privileges."
Attack vector
The vulnerability exists in the bbPress plugin for WordPress prior to version 2.6.5. When the "New User Registration" setting is enabled, an unauthenticated attacker can register a new user account and then escalate their privileges without proper authorization checks [CWE-269]. The advisory does not specify the exact code path, but the root cause is improper privilege management during the user registration and role assignment process [ref_id=1].
What the fix does
The patch is not shown in the provided bundle; the advisory only states that the issue is fixed in bbPress version 2.6.5. The fix likely adds proper capability checks or nonce verification during user registration and role assignment to ensure that newly registered users cannot escalate their privileges beyond what is intended. Without the actual diff, the precise changes cannot be described.
Preconditions
- configThe bbPress plugin must have the 'New User Registration' setting enabled.
- authNo authentication is required; the attacker can be unauthenticated.
- networkThe attacker must have network access to the WordPress site's registration endpoint.
Generated on May 31, 2026. Inputs: CWE entries + fix-commit diffs from this CVE's patches. Citations validated against bundle.
References
8- github.com/advisories/GHSA-mwxh-6j9v-45phghsaADVISORY
- nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-13693ghsaADVISORY
- packetstormsecurity.com/files/157885/WordPress-BBPress-2.5-Privilege-Escalation.htmlghsax_refsource_MISCWEB
- bbpress.org/blog/2020/05/bbpress-2-6-5-is-outghsaWEB
- bbpress.org/blog/2020/05/bbpress-2-6-5-is-out/mitrex_refsource_MISC
- codex.bbpress.org/releasesghsaWEB
- codex.bbpress.org/releases/mitrex_refsource_MISC
- wordpress.org/plugins/bbpress/ghsax_refsource_MISCWEB
News mentions
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