# CVE-2026-106602: Automattic Jetpack authentication bypass via alternate path

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-106602-authentication-bypass-using-an-alternate-path-or-channel  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-10-09. Updated: 2026-10-16  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-106602 · Severity: medium · CVSS 4.8 · Published 2026-10-09

Jetpack is a widely used WordPress plugin that extends site functionality. An authentication bypass vulnerability allows attackers to log in as other users or bypass the login system entirely without knowing passwords. This could lead to unauthorized access to WordPress sites and their content, potentially enabling attackers to modify pages, install malware, or steal sensitive data.

Technologies: [Automattic Jetpack](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/jetpack). Vendors: [Automattic](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/automattic).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-106602 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-106602 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-106602?** Medium severity, with a CVSS score of 4.8, published 9 October 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Automattic Jetpack 16.2 and earlier.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-106602?** Yes: fixed in 16.3. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-106602 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-106602?** Check whether you run Automattic Jetpack at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## How to fix

- Fixed in 16.3

## Technical details

This is an authentication bypass vulnerability (CWE-287) in the Jetpack WordPress plugin affecting versions up to 16.2. The flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to bypass login controls or log in as arbitrary users, likely through an alternate authentication path or recovery mechanism. The vulnerability requires no authentication or user interaction to exploit and is fixed in version 16.3.

## Affected products

- Automattic Jetpack 16.2 and earlier

## Timeline

- 2026-10-07: disclosed
- 2026-10-09: advisory

## References

- [https://wordpress.org/plugins](https://wordpress.org/plugins)
- [https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/plugin/jetpack/vulnerability/wordpress-jetpack-plugin-16-2-broken-authentication-vulnerability?_s_id=cve](https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/plugin/jetpack/vulnerability/wordpress-jetpack-plugin-16-2-broken-authentication-vulnerability?_s_id=cve)

## Related threats

- [Automattic Jetpack authentication bypass in password recovery](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-106601-authentication-bypass-using-an-alternate-path-or-channel)
- [Automattic Jetpack reflected XSS in grunion-form-view.php](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2022-50958-automattic-jetpack-reflected-xss-in-grunion-form-view-php)