CVE-2025-11455 in Perfect Images Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/31/2026
The Perfect Images plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the /wp-json/wp-retina-2x/v1/replace REST API in all versions up to, and including, 7.2.0 This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Author-level access and above, to replace files that do not belong to them.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/31/2026
The Perfect Images plugin for WordPress contains a critical authorization flaw within its REST API endpoint located at /wp-json/wp-retina-2x/v1/replace. This vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 7.2.0, representing a significant security oversight in how the application handles user permissions during file operations. The core issue stems from a missing capability check on this specific endpoint, which fails to verify whether the authenticated user has the appropriate privileges to perform actions on resources they do not own. In standard WordPress architecture, REST API endpoints should enforce strict access controls based on the current user's role and capabilities before executing any state-changing operations. The absence of such verification allows users with Author-level access or higher to bypass intended restrictions and manipulate data outside their authorized scope.
This technical flaw enables unauthorized modification of data by allowing authenticated attackers to replace files that do not belong to them. An attacker leveraging this vulnerability can upload malicious content, overwrite legitimate media assets, or disrupt the integrity of website resources without needing administrative privileges. The impact extends beyond simple file replacement; it facilitates potential defacement, malware distribution through compromised image files, and disruption of service availability for other users whose content is overwritten. Since WordPress sites often rely on these images for both visual presentation and functional elements like thumbnails or background assets, compromising them can degrade the user experience and potentially lead to further exploitation if malicious scripts are embedded within uploaded media files that get executed in certain contexts.
From a classification perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-269, which describes Improper Privilege Management, specifically where an actor is able to perform actions without proper authorization checks. It also relates closely to CWE-862, the Missing Authorization flaw, as the system fails to enforce access control policies on sensitive operations. In terms of offensive security frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK for Enterprise or Mobile, this behavior corresponds to techniques involving Account Manipulation and potentially Defense Evasion if used to hide malicious artifacts by overwriting legitimate files. The attack vector requires authentication, placing it within the category of authenticated attacks that exploit misconfigured access controls rather than unauthenticated injection flaws like SQLi or XSS.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate remediation through software updates. Administrators running versions up to 7.2.0 must upgrade to a patched version where proper capability checks have been implemented for the replace endpoint. Until an update is available, temporary mitigations include restricting access to the WordPress admin area via IP whitelisting or using web application firewalls that can block requests targeting this specific REST API path if they originate from unauthorized sources. Additionally, implementing strict file upload validation and limiting allowed MIME types can reduce the risk associated with successful exploitation of this flaw. Regular security audits focusing on authorization logic in custom plugins are essential to prevent similar privilege escalation issues in future development cycles.