CVE-2019-19985 in Email Subscribers
Summary
by MITRE
The WordPress plugin, Email Subscribers & Newsletters, before 4.2.3 had a flaw that allowed unauthenticated file download with user information disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-19985 affects the Email Subscribers & Newsletters WordPress plugin, specifically versions prior to 4.2.3. This issue represents a critical security flaw that undermines the confidentiality and integrity of user data stored within WordPress environments. The vulnerability stems from inadequate access controls within the plugin's file download functionality, creating a pathway for unauthorized individuals to exploit the system and access sensitive information without proper authentication.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of file download requests, where insufficient validation mechanisms fail to verify user authentication status before permitting access to downloadable content. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting malicious requests that bypass standard authentication checks, allowing them to retrieve files containing user information such as email addresses, subscriber lists, and potentially other personally identifiable information. This represents a classic case of insecure direct object reference vulnerability, where the system fails to properly authenticate and authorize access to resources that should be restricted to authenticated users only. The flaw aligns with CWE-285, which addresses insufficient authorization issues in software applications, and demonstrates how improper access control can lead to information disclosure vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can enable attackers to build comprehensive user databases that may be used for targeted phishing campaigns, spam distribution, or further exploitation attempts. The disclosure of subscriber information creates potential for social engineering attacks and can significantly damage the reputation of organizations using the affected plugin. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability provides a low-effort means of gaining access to valuable user data, making it particularly attractive for threat actors seeking to monetize stolen information. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to enumerate user accounts and potentially use the collected information for credential stuffing attacks against other services.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability, beginning with the mandatory upgrade to plugin version 4.2.3 or later, which contains the necessary patches to resolve the authentication bypass issue. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of all WordPress installations to identify potentially vulnerable systems and ensure that all plugins are running current, secure versions. Additionally, implementing network-level monitoring and logging of file download activities can help detect and respond to exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework as a privilege escalation technique highlights the importance of maintaining proper access controls and regularly updating software components to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as web application firewalls and access control lists to provide defense-in-depth against similar vulnerabilities.