Download Manager: Package duplication bypasses protected-download restrictions
The Download Manager plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Insecure Direct Object Reference in versions up to, and including, 3.3.68 via the duplicate() function hooked on admin_init. This is due to the handler only verifying the generic 'edit_posts' capability and a plugin-wide static nonce (NONCE_KEY) without any object-level authorization check against the targeted wpdmpro package ID. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Author-level access and above, to duplicate arbitrary Download Manager packages owned by other users (including administrators), which copies all package metadata — including protected file references, role-based access restrictions, and password lock settings — into an attacker-owned clone that they can then edit to remove restrictions and download the previously protected files. The export states Author-level access, while the matching changelog describes Contributor-level exposure; both identify the same object-authorization failure. Affected versions reported by the CNA: <= 3.3.68. Official changelog review confirms 3.3.69 as a fixed release for this issue.
- Component
- Download Manager
- Plugin slug
download-manager- Affected
- <= 3.3.68
- Safe version
3.3.69- Published
- Sep 18, 2026
This CVE was published Sep 18, 2026 and is one of 70 known issues for this plugin.
Update, patch or deactivate.
The official changelog confirms a fix in 3.3.69: Adds target-package authorization and package-bound nonces to duplication; describes Contributor rather than Author access. Update to that release or a later supported version. Official changelog: https://wordpress.org/plugins/download-manager/#developers Require permission to edit the target package and a package-specific nonce before duplication. Do not transfer protected file references into a clone the caller is allowed to unlock. Review suspicious copied packages.
A safe version is available, so updating to that version or later is the preferred remediation. If an immediate update is not practical, consider a targeted application patch or temporarily restricting the affected functionality.
Deactivate only when warranted by your risk profile, or when advised by your hosting provider in the limited circumstances where the vulnerability cannot otherwise be mitigated. If you’re unsure which action is appropriate, contact Fused or your hosting provider for guidance.
Technical description
The Download Manager plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Insecure Direct Object Reference in versions up to, and including, 3.3.68 via the duplicate() function hooked on admin_init. This is due to the handler only verifying the generic 'edit_posts' capability and a plugin-wide static nonce (NONCE_KEY) without any object-level authorization check against the targeted wpdmpro package ID. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Author-level access and above, to duplicate arbitrary Download Manager packages owned by other users (including administrators), which copies all package metadata — including protected file references, role-based access restrictions, and password lock settings — into an attacker-owned clone that they can then edit to remove restrictions and download the previously protected files.
CVE / CNA vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N