Rank Math permits Author-level arbitrary metadata overwrite
Rank Math SEO 1.0.48 through 1.0.276 does not verify that a metadata row belongs to the object against which authorization was checked. An Author or higher can overwrite arbitrary post and user metadata, including metadata belonging to higher-privileged users.
- Component
- Rank Math SEO
- Plugin slug
seo-by-rank-math- Affected
- 1.0.48 to < 1.0.277
- Safe version
1.0.277- Published
- Sep 02, 2026
This CVE was published Sep 02, 2026 and is one of 26 known issues for this plugin.
Update, patch or deactivate.
Update to Rank Math SEO 1.0.277 or later and audit post and user metadata changes made by Author-level accounts.
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 Rank Math SEO WordPress plugin before 1.0.277 does not verify that the metadata row being updated belongs to the object the user was authorised against, allowing users with the Author role and above to overwrite arbitrary post and user metadata, including that belonging to higher-privileged users.
CVE / CNA vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N