Stream Heartbeat handler exposes audit records to Subscribers
Stream through 4.2.0 lets any logged-in user, including a Subscriber, submit wp-stream-heartbeat live-update and query data through WordPress Heartbeat. Live_Update::heartbeat_received() constructs the Stream List_Table, calls prepare_items() and returns record counts and activity without checking the capability required to view Stream. Version 4.2.1 adds current_user_can($this->plugin->admin->view_cap) before records are prepared.
- Component
- Stream – Activity Log & Audit Trail
- Plugin slug
stream- Affected
- <= 4.2.0
- Safe version
4.2.1- Published
- Aug 07, 2026
- Weakness
- CWE-862 — Missing Authorization
This CVE was published Aug 07, 2026 and is one of 7 known issues for this plugin.
Update, patch or deactivate.
Update Stream to 4.2.1 or later. Review low-privilege access and treat sensitive operational or user data recorded in the audit trail as potentially disclosed.
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 Stream plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to authorization bypass in all versions up to, and including, 4.2.0. This is due to the plugin not properly verifying that a user is authorized to perform an action. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level access and above, to access all Stream activity records via the Heartbeat API.
CVE / CNA vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N