WordPress core is vulnerable to unauthorized access in versions 6.9 through 6.9.1. The Notes feature (block-level collaboration annotations) was introduced in WordPress 6.9 to allow editorial comments directly on posts in the block editor. However, the REST API `create_item_permissions_check()` method in the comments controller did not verify that the authenticated user has `edit_post` permission on the target post when creating a note.
This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with Subscriber-level access to create notes on any post, including posts authored by other users, private posts, and posts in any status.
Attack Parameters
Attack Vector
Network
Can be exploited remotely
Attack Complexity
Low
Easy to exploit
Privileges Required
Low
Basic privileges needed
User Interaction
None
No user interaction needed
Impact Assessment
Confidentiality
None
No data leak
Integrity
Low
Partial data modification
Availability
None
No disruption
CVSS Vector v3.1