CVE-2015-10143 in Platform Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/25/2025
The Platform theme for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data that can lead to privilege escalation due to a missing capability check on the *_ajax_save_options() function in all versions up to 1.4.4 (exclusive). This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to update arbitrary options on the WordPress site. This can be leveraged to update the default role for registration to administrator and enable user registration for attackers to gain administrative user access to a vulnerable site.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-10143 affects the Platform theme for WordPress, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of WordPress installations. This vulnerability stems from a fundamental design oversight in the theme's implementation where proper access controls are absent, specifically within the *_ajax_save_options() function. The flaw exists across all versions of the Platform theme prior to 1.4.4, making a substantial number of WordPress sites potentially vulnerable to exploitation. The vulnerability's severity is compounded by the fact that it allows for unauthorized modification of critical system settings without proper authentication, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate core WordPress functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the lack of capability verification within the ajax save options function, which operates outside the standard WordPress permission framework. This missing capability check creates an attack surface where malicious actors can submit crafted ajax requests to modify WordPress options directly through the web interface. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in the authorization mechanism, specifically categorized under CWE-285: "Improper Authorization" which occurs when an application fails to properly verify that the requesting entity is authorized to perform the requested operation. The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate WordPress core settings through a simple web request, bypassing the normal authentication and authorization processes that should protect these critical configuration parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data modification, as it provides attackers with a pathway to achieve privilege escalation and complete administrative control over affected WordPress installations. When exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to modify the default role assigned to new user registrations, potentially changing it from subscriber to administrator. This single modification creates an immediate opportunity for attackers to register accounts with administrative privileges, effectively granting them complete control over the WordPress site. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no prior authentication, making it accessible to anyone who can access the vulnerable website. This aligns with ATT&CK framework technique T1078.004: "Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts" where attackers can leverage compromised or newly created administrative accounts to maintain persistent access to systems.
The implications of this vulnerability are significant for WordPress site administrators and security professionals, as it demonstrates how theme-level vulnerabilities can create systemic risks across entire WordPress ecosystems. The flaw's exploitation potential is amplified by the fact that it operates through standard WordPress ajax functionality, making it difficult to detect through conventional security monitoring approaches. Organizations running vulnerable versions of the Platform theme are at risk of complete compromise, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install malicious plugins, modify content, access sensitive data, or establish backdoors for persistent access. The vulnerability's presence in the theme's ajax handling mechanism also suggests that similar issues may exist in other themes or plugins that fail to implement proper capability checks. Mitigation efforts should focus on immediate patching of the Platform theme to version 1.4.4 or later, along with comprehensive security audits of all installed themes and plugins to identify similar authorization weaknesses. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for unauthorized ajax requests can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts.