CVE-2025-10005 in Password Protect Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/16/2026
The PPWP – Password Protect WordPress | #1 Most-Reviewed Password Plugin plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Insecure Direct Object Reference in all versions up to, and including, 1.9.20 via the ppw_free_set_password AJAX action due to missing validation on a user controlled key. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Contributor-level access and above, to update the password on any password protected post and subsequently access the content.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2026
The PPWP WordPress plugin vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of content protection mechanisms within WordPress environments. This issue affects the most-reviewed password plugin for WordPress, making it particularly concerning given its widespread adoption and the sensitive nature of the functionality it provides. The vulnerability stems from an insecure direct object reference condition that exists across all versions up to and including 1.9.20, specifically within the ppw_free_set_password AJAX action implementation.
The technical flaw manifests through insufficient validation of user-controlled input parameters within the plugin's AJAX handling mechanism. When an authenticated attacker with Contributor-level privileges or higher accesses the ppw_free_set_password endpoint, they can manipulate the key parameter to target any password-protected post within the WordPress installation. This lack of proper access control validation allows unauthorized modification of password protection settings across the entire site, effectively bypassing the intended security boundaries that should prevent users from accessing content they do not have explicit permission to view.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to protected content that may contain sensitive information, proprietary data, or confidential communications. Attackers can systematically target various password-protected posts and pages throughout the WordPress installation, potentially exposing a wide range of content including drafts, private posts, member-only content, or administrative materials. This vulnerability essentially transforms the plugin's intended security function into an attack vector that can be exploited by users with relatively low privilege levels, undermining the fundamental security model of content protection within WordPress.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-639 which specifically addresses Insecure Direct Object Reference, a condition where applications fail to properly verify that the user is authorized to access specific objects or resources. From an adversarial perspective, this flaw maps directly to ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through legitimate credentials. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, making it accessible to users who normally would not have the ability to modify content across the entire site. Organizations using this plugin are at risk of data exposure, potential regulatory violations, and reputational damage if attackers successfully leverage this vulnerability to access protected information.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the validation flaw, while also implementing additional monitoring for unauthorized password changes or modifications to protected content. Network-level controls such as rate limiting on AJAX endpoints and comprehensive logging of administrative actions can help detect exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough audits of their WordPress installations to identify all instances of this vulnerable plugin and ensure proper access control policies are enforced at the application level, particularly for users with Contributor roles or higher who may have elevated privileges within the WordPress ecosystem but should not be able to bypass content protection mechanisms across the entire installation.