CVE-2026-97343

Overview

The Burst Statistics – Simple WordPress Analytics plugin is vulnerable to improper authentication, allowing attackers to hijack the limited-privilege burst_statistics_viewer account. By using a valid share token, an unauthenticated user can set a new password for that account, gaining persistent access. This flaw persists across token revocation and plugin cleanup routines.

Description

The Burst Statistics – Simple WordPress Analytics (Google Analytics Alternative) plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Improper Authentication leading to Account Persistence in all versions up to, and including, 3.7.1. This is due to the `maybe_load_shared_dashboard()` handler issuing a genuine WordPress session cookie for the `burst_statistics_viewer` account to any visitor presenting a valid share token via `wp_set_auth_cookie()`, while the plugin only blocks Application Passwords for the resulting `burst_viewer` role and does not restrict the core `/wp-json/wp/v2/users/me` password update endpoint or filter the `edit_user` capability for that account — leaving WordPress core's built-in rule that any authenticated user may update their own account fully in effect. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to set an attacker-chosen password on the `burst_statistics_viewer` WordPress account, constituting a permanent takeover of that limited-privilege (`view_burst_statistics`) account that persists through share-token revocation, share-token expiration, and execution of the plugin's daily `cleanup_viewer_sessions()` routine. Exploitation requires that the attacker have obtained a valid `burst_share_token`, such as one that has been shared publicly or distributed to an untrusted party.

Impact

Confidentiality: attacker can view analytics data; Integrity: attacker can modify account credentials; Availability: minimal direct impact but persistent account takeover may allow further exploitation. Defenders: site administrators and WordPress users with shared tokens.

Remediation

Upgrade to version 3.7.2 or later where the vulnerability is fixed. If upgrade not possible, revoke all burst_share_tokens, disable the plugin, or set the burst_statistics_viewer account to a non-privileged role. Additionally, enforce strong password policies and monitor /wp-json/wp/v2/users/me for unauthorized changes.

Risk context

The CVE has a medium severity score (4.3) and a very low EPSS of 0.00299, indicating a low probability of exploitation in the wild. However, the flaw allows persistent account takeover if a share token is exposed, so timely patching is recommended.

Affected products

• WordPress
• Burst Statistics – Simple WordPress Analytics plugin
• WordPress Core