The WP-Optimize plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access of functionality due to missing capability checks in the `receive_heartbeat()` function in `includes/class-wp-optimize-heartbeat.php` in all versions up to, and including, 4.5.0. This is due to the Heartbeat handler directly invoking `Updraft_Smush_Manager_Commands` methods without verifying user capabilities, nonce tokens, or the allowed commands whitelist that the normal AJAX handler (`updraft_smush_ajax`) enforces. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to invoke admin-only Smush operations including reading log files (`get_smush_logs`), deleting all backup images (`clean_all_backup_images`), triggering bulk image processing (`process_bulk_smush`), and modifying Smush options (`update_smush_options`).
CVE-2026-2712 is a medium severity with CVSS 5.4 Vulnerability issue affecting the Plugin WP-Optimize – Cache, Compress images, Minify & Clean database to boost page speed & performance. It affects Versions up to 4.5.0 and is fixed in 4.5.1.
Use the related hub and response guides to connect this CVE-2026-2712 report with patch validation, scanner checks, and site hardening work.
Open the grouped hub for related CVEs, affected ranges, severity mix, and patch coverage.
Check access, XML-RPC exposure, backup readiness, and monitoring after patching.
Use containment, evidence capture, remediation, and validation steps when exploit risk is high.
CVE-2026-2712 is tracked for the Plugin WP-Optimize – Cache, Compress images, Minify & Clean database to boost page speed & performance as medium severity with CVSS 5.4. The affected range is Versions up to 4.5.0. Update WP-Optimize – Cache, Compress images, Minify & Clean database to boost page speed & performance to 4.5.1 or newer where that version is compatible with the site.
Search engines and operators need more than a title. This page exposes the identifier, affected range, patch evidence, and source coverage that make the vulnerability actionable.
This report has a CVE identifier, which makes it suitable for focused search and vulnerability triage workflows.
Affected version data gives operators a concrete comparison point against installed WordPress software.
A fixed version is present, so the page can answer update and remediation intent directly.
External references are available for source validation, advisory review, and incident notes.
Use these checks when converting this record into a patch ticket, incident note, or risk acceptance decision.
Inventory the installed Plugin package and compare its version with Versions up to 4.5.0.
Confirm WP-Optimize – Cache, Compress images, Minify & Clean database to boost page speed & performance is updated to 4.5.1 or newer.
Review references and CVSS vector details for exploitability, authentication requirements, and exposure path.
After patching, re-run vulnerability monitoring and keep the related plugin or theme hub under review for follow-up CVEs.
| Software Type | Plugin |
|---|---|
| Software Slug |
wp-optimize
View on wordpress.org
|
| CVE | CVE-2026-2712 |
| Patched Versions |
4.5.1
|
| Affected Versions |
Versions up to 4.5.0
|
These internal links group the same WordPress plugin by CVE, issue type, severity, and patch status so operators and search engines can connect the full vulnerability cluster.
WP-Optimize <= 4.5.2 - Authenticated (Author+) Arbitrary File Deletion via 'original-file' Post Meta
WP-Optimize <= 4.1.1 - Authenticated (Admin+) SQL Injection
WP-Optimize <= 3.2.11 - Cross-Site Request Forgery
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