# CVE-2026-76554: WP Import Export Lite privilege escalation in user import

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-76554-the-wp-import-export-lite-wordpress-plugin-before-3-9-35-does-not  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-09-19. Updated: 2026-09-26  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-76554 · Severity: high · CVSS 7.2 · Published 2026-09-19

WP Import Export Lite is a WordPress plugin that allows users to import and export data, including user accounts. The plugin fails to properly verify permissions during user imports, allowing users with limited plugin access to create new administrator accounts or take over existing ones, including those of real administrators. An attacker with plugin permissions but no user management rights can escalate themselves to full site control.

Vendors: [WP Import Export Lite](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/wp-import-export-lite).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-76554 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-76554 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-76554?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 7.2, published 19 September 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** WP Import Export Lite before 3.9.35.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-76554?** A patch was published on 2026-09-19: Fixed in version 3.9.35 Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-76554 attacked?** It is attacked over the network.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-76554?** Check whether you run WP Import Export Lite 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.

## Technical details

An authenticated privilege escalation in WP Import Export Lite before 3.9.35 occurs due to insufficient authorization checks in the user import functionality. Users granted delegated plugin permissions can bypass role restrictions to create admin accounts and modify existing user credentials and roles. The vulnerability requires authentication and plugin delegation but allows an attacker to circumvent the normal WordPress user management capabilities.

## Affected products

- WP Import Export Lite WP Import Export Lite before 3.9.35

## Timeline

- 2026-09-17: disclosed
- 2026-09-19: patched: Fixed in version 3.9.35

## References

- [https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/e28c78be-e2f7-4580-9f16-488955914be3/](https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/e28c78be-e2f7-4580-9f16-488955914be3/)