Plugin Name	The Events Calendar
Type of Vulnerability	Access control flaws
CVE Number	CVE-2026-2694
Urgency	Low
CVE Publish Date	2026-02-25
Source URL	CVE-2026-2694

Broken Access Control in The Events Calendar (≤ 6.15.16): Critical Insights and Managed-WP Protection Guidance

Author: Managed-WP Security Team
Date: 2026-02-25

Executive Summary

A broken access control vulnerability has been discovered in The Events Calendar plugin affecting versions up to 6.15.16. This flaw enables authenticated users with Contributor-level privileges—or equivalent low-privileged roles—to manipulate events, organizers, and venues through REST API endpoints, performing unauthorized update or deletion operations. This article details the vulnerability’s mechanics, potential ramifications, detection and remediation measures, and how Managed-WP delivers robust protective layers while you secure and update your WordPress site.

Table of Contents

• Overview
• Understanding Broken Access Control
• Technical Details of the Vulnerability
• Risk Scenarios and Business Impact
• Identifying High-Risk Sites
• How to Detect Exploitation
• Immediate Response Measures
• Long-Term Security Strategies
• Managed-WP’s Role: Virtual Patching and WAF Protection
• Post-Incident Recovery and Monitoring
• Step-by-Step Plugin Update Instructions
• Validating Your Fix
• Developer Best Practices
• Closing Remarks from the Managed-WP Security Team
• Getting Started with Managed-WP Free

---

Overview

On February 25, 2026, a broken access control vulnerability was publicly disclosed affecting The Events Calendar plugin versions 6.15.16 and earlier. This vulnerability allows authenticated users with Contributor-level roles (or roles with comparable permissions) to access REST API endpoints that they should not be authorized to use. Through these endpoints, they can update or trash events, organizers, and venues. The issue was patched in version 6.15.16.1.

Though rated as a low-severity vulnerability in some scoring systems (CVSS 5.4), this flaw can lead to significant disruptions—particularly for sites relying heavily on event listings and management. The ability for low-privileged users to alter or delete event data poses risks including content tampering, revenue loss, reputational damage, and operational interruptions. This article provides technical insight along with practical guidance for mitigation, incident response, and fortified protection using Managed-WP solutions.

---

Understanding Broken Access Control

Broken access control refers to failures in enforcing user permissions correctly—allowing unauthorized users to perform actions beyond their granted rights. In WordPress, this typically occurs when REST API routes or AJAX handlers are missing essential authorization checks such as current_user_can() calls or properly implemented permission_callback. When these checks are absent or inadequate, users with insufficient privileges can exploit endpoints to perform restricted actions.

For The Events Calendar vulnerability, contributors—who by default can create and edit their own content but not publish or modify other users’ entries—could interact with REST endpoints lacking proper authorization. This enabled unauthorized updates and deletions on event-related entities.

---

Technical Details of the Vulnerability

• Impacted Component: The Events Calendar plugin (≤ 6.15.16)
• Affected Endpoints: REST API routes handling update and delete operations for events, organizers, and venues
• Underlying Cause: Insufficient or absent authorization callbacks permitting authenticated contributors access to privileged REST endpoints
• Patch Version: 6.15.16.1 – introduced stricter permission checks
• CVE Identifier: CVE-2026-2694
• Severity: Low to moderate depending on site configuration and role customization

Note: This vulnerability was responsibly disclosed, and immediate patching is strongly recommended.

---

Risk Scenarios and Business Impact

Even though Contributors are limited by design, allowing them unauthorized REST API access to modify event assets presents real operational dangers:

• Content Manipulation: Attackers could alter event titles, descriptions, dates, and venues or delete events entirely.
• Business Disruption: Event-driven websites depending on accurate scheduling or ticket sales face revenue and trust damage.
• Brand Reputation: Incorrect or fraudulent event data can confuse customers, undermining credibility.
• Potential Attack Chaining: While this vulnerability alone doesn’t enable full site takeover, it can be part of an attack sequence including other insecure configurations.
• Multi-Site & Agency Risks: In setups servicing multiple clients, a single exploit can affect many stakeholders.

---

Identifying High-Risk Sites

• Sites allowing public user registration defaulting to Contributor role
• Community or membership sites with many users assigned Contributor-like roles
• Event-centric sites critical to business operations
• Managed environments servicing multiple clients or multisite networks
• Sites running unpatched versions of The Events Calendar plugin

---

How to Detect Exploitation

1. Verify Plugin Version
   • Ensure The Events Calendar plugin is updated above 6.15.16 via WP Admin or plugin headers.
2. Review REST & Server Logs
   • Look for POST/PUT/DELETE requests to REST endpoints under /wp-json/tribe/ related to event, venue, or organizer changes from low-privilege accounts.
3. Inspect WordPress Activity Logs
   • Examine logs for unauthorized edits, trashes, or meta changes on tribe_events or related post types.
4. Database Inspection
   • Check wp_posts for event post types with unusual modification dates or “trash” status.
5. Review User Accounts
   • Identify suspicious or unexpected Contributor role users.
6. Front-End Validation
   • Check for altered or missing events on the live site.

---

Immediate Response Measures

1. Plugin Update
   • Update immediately to The Events Calendar 6.15.16.1 or later.
2. Limit Registrations
   • Temporarily disable new registrations or set default roles to Subscriber.
3. Restrict REST API Access
   • Use server rules or plugins to block unauthorized REST API access to vulnerable endpoints.
4. Enable Managed-WP WAF Virtual Patching
   • Deploy Managed-WP firewall rules that block suspicious REST API calls to The Events Calendar endpoints.
5. Harden Contributor Privileges
   • Temporarily adjust roles to remove event editing capabilities or reassign users.
6. Review User Accounts
   • Disable suspicious contributors and enforce password resets.
7. Internal Communication
   • Alert operational and communications teams to ongoing incidents.

---

Long-Term Security Strategies

1. Maintain Timely Updates
   • Enforce prompt patching of WordPress core, themes, and plugins.
2. Enforce Least Privilege Principles
   • Regularly audit and restrict user capabilities.
3. Fine-Tune Event Plugin Permissions
   • Apply custom capabilities carefully; use role editors to minimize unnecessary access.
4. Restrict REST API Exposure
   • Use permission_callback on custom routes and control at firewall or server level.
5. Implement Content Review Workflows
   • Require editorial approval for event changes from lower-privileged users.
6. Enable Activity Logging and Alerts
   • Track user actions and configure notifications for unusual events.
7. Strengthen Authentication
   • Enforce strong passwords and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for privileged users.
8. Regular Backups and Recovery Testing
   • Keep verified backup copies to enable rapid recovery.
9. Secure Custom Integrations
   • Ensure all custom code enforces strict authorization and nonce verification.

---

Managed-WP’s Role: Virtual Patching and WAF Protection

Managed-WP offers a comprehensive security platform designed specifically for WordPress environments. When vulnerabilities like this broken access control issue arise, Managed-WP’s Web Application Firewall (WAF) delivers virtual patching to immediately reduce risks.

Key Managed-WP Protective Features:

1. Virtual Patching: Instant deployment of firewall rules to block or alter malicious HTTP requests targeting vulnerable REST API endpoints before they reach your site.
2. Granular REST API Inspection: Scoping of rules by HTTP method, endpoint path, user roles, IP addresses, and request patterns.
3. Adaptive Blocking & Rate Limiting: Detection and containment of suspicious or repeated exploit attempts through dynamic IP throttling and temporary bans.
4. Authenticated Request Monitoring: Inspection of logged-in user requests to identify anomalous behavior by low-privileged accounts.
5. Automated Workflows: Trigger mitigation actions such as additional authentication challenges or blocking.
6. Alerts & Dashboarding: Real-time notification and monitoring to empower rapid incident response.

The Importance of Virtual Patching

• Provides critical risk reduction for sites unable to immediately upgrade.
• Decreases exposure window by blocking exploit payloads efficiently.
• Can be pushed real-time without modifying plugin code or disrupting workflows when properly tuned.

Important Considerations for WAF Deployment

• Rule tuning is paramount to avoid false positives that could disrupt legitimate user activity.
• Testing in monitoring-only mode before enforcement is recommended to assure smooth operation.

---

Post-Incident Recovery and Monitoring

If your site has experienced unauthorized changes, execute the following recovery procedures:

1. Evidence Preservation: Export logs and take database snapshots for forensic review.
2. Revert Malicious Changes: Use revision history or restore from clean backups.
3. Reset and Harden Accounts: Reset credentials, enforce 2FA, and review assigned capabilities.
4. Comprehensive Malware Scans: Verify absence of lateral or secondary compromises.
5. Rotate API Keys and Credentials: Invalidate and renew any keys that might have been exposed.
6. Transparent Communication: Notify stakeholders if customer data or bookings were impacted.
7. Document and Update Security Playbooks: Incorporate new learnings and improve policies accordingly.

---

Step-by-Step Plugin Update Instructions

1. Backup Your Site
   • Always make a full site and database backup prior to plugin updates to ensure rollback capability.
2. Test On Staging
   • Deploy the update on a non-production environment when possible to validate compatibility and workflows.
3. Apply Update
   • Update The Events Calendar plugin via WP Admin dashboard, Composer, or manual upload to version 6.15.16.1+.
4. Verify Site Stability
   • Confirm proper functioning of event creation, editing, publishing, and display.
5. Monitor Logs
   • Check server and WordPress error logs for issues during the subsequent 72 hours.
6. Remove Temporary Mitigations
   • After testing, lift any strict registration or WAF restrictions and apply long-term tuned rules.

---

Validating Your Fix

Perform controlled tests only on sites you own or manage:

1. Create a Contributor account in a staging environment.
2. Attempt update or trash operations on events, organizers and venues through the admin interface and REST API to confirm denial.
3. Observe server and application logs for blocked or allowed requests.
4. Ensure Managed-WP WAF does not block legitimate administrative activities.
5. Reassess capability assignments and firewall rules if unauthorized actions persist.

---

Developer Best Practices

• Always implement strict permission_callback handlers restricting REST routes to the minimal required capability.
• Mandate nonce verification and capability checks on all state-changing AJAX and REST calls.
• Restrict broad capabilities for low-privileged roles, defining fine-grained custom permissions as needed.
• Integrate automated permission tests into CI workflows for custom code and third-party plugins.
• Use approval workflows to intercept low-privilege content changes.

---

Closing Remarks from the Managed-WP Security Team

This vulnerability underlines the critical importance of comprehensive access control enforcement within WordPress plugins. Both developers and site operators share responsibility to ensure security boundaries are robust.

We advise all Managed-WP users and WordPress site owners running The Events Calendar plugin to verify plugin versions and apply updates immediately. For those unable to expedite patching, leverage Managed-WP’s virtual patching and firewall capabilities to protect your site while pursuing remediation.

Security is ongoing — blending timely patch management, principle of least privilege, continuous monitoring, backups, and layered protection like Managed-WP’s WAF is essential to defend your digital assets effectively.

---

Getting Started with Managed-WP Free: Immediate Protection During Remediation

For rapid deployment of protective coverage, Managed-WP Free offers an entry-level firewall and monitoring solution:

• Managed firewall and web application firewall (WAF) tailored for WordPress
• Unlimited bandwidth and automated risk mitigation for OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities
• Malware scanning and baseline security controls

Sign up and configure your firewall rules within minutes:
https://managed-wp.com/pricing

For teams seeking enhanced automation, virtual patching, and prioritized support, explore our Standard and Pro plans.

---

Appendix: Quick Security Checklist

• ☐ Confirm The Events Calendar plugin is updated beyond 6.15.16.
• ☐ Backup files and database before maintenance.
• ☐ Restrict new user registrations or adjust default roles temporarily if patch is delayed.
• ☐ Enable Managed-WP virtual patching for The Events Calendar REST API.
• ☐ Monitor server and WordPress logs for suspicious activity.
• ☐ Audit users and disable suspicious Contributor-level accounts.
• ☐ Perform recovery from clean backups if unauthorized modifications are detected.
• ☐ Adopt long-term hardening: least privilege, 2FA, activity monitoring, and backups.

---

If you require assistance with virtual patch implementation, firewall configuration, or security audits, the Managed-WP team is here to help. Our security engineers provide expert guidance tailored to your WordPress environment ensuring ongoing protection during patching and hardening.

---

Take Proactive Action — Secure Your Site with Managed-WP

Don’t risk your business or reputation due to overlooked plugin flaws or weak permissions. Managed-WP provides robust Web Application Firewall (WAF) protection, tailored vulnerability response, and hands-on remediation for WordPress security that goes far beyond standard hosting services.​

Exclusive Offer for Blog Readers: Access our MWPv1r1 protection plan—industry-grade security starting from just USD20/month.

• Automated virtual patching and advanced role-based traffic filtering
• Personalized onboarding and step-by-step site security checklist
• Real-time monitoring, incident alerts, and priority remediation support
• Actionable best-practice guides for secrets management and role hardening

Get Started Easily — Secure Your Site for USD20/month:
Protect My Site with Managed-WP MWPv1r1 Plan

Why trust Managed-WP?

• Immediate coverage against newly discovered plugin and theme vulnerabilities
• Custom WAF rules and instant virtual patching for high-risk scenarios
• Concierge onboarding, expert remediation, and best-practice advice whenever you need it

Don’t wait for the next security breach. Safeguard your WordPress site and reputation with Managed-WP—the choice for businesses serious about security.

Click above to start your protection today (MWPv1r1 plan, USD20/month).
https://managed-wp.com/pricing