CVE-2025-13404 in Duplicate Page & Post Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/25/2025
The atec Duplicate Page & Post plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized post duplication due to missing authorization validation on the duplicate_post() function in all versions up to, and including, 1.2.20. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Contributor-level access and above, to duplicate arbitrary posts, including private and password-protected posts, leading to data exposure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2025
The CVE-2025-13404 vulnerability affects the atec Duplicate Page & Post plugin for WordPress, representing a critical authorization bypass flaw that undermines the security model of WordPress content management systems. This vulnerability exists within the plugin's duplicate_post() function and impacts all versions up to and including 1.2.20, making it a widespread concern for WordPress installations that utilize this particular plugin. The flaw stems from insufficient validation mechanisms that should normally verify user permissions before allowing post duplication operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's access controls.
The technical nature of this vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-863, which addresses "Incorrect Authorization" in software systems. This weakness allows unauthorized users to perform actions that they should not be permitted to execute based on their assigned roles and permissions. In the context of WordPress, the vulnerability specifically enables authenticated attackers who possess Contributor-level access or higher to duplicate posts without proper authorization checks. The system fails to validate whether the requesting user has legitimate permissions to duplicate the specific post they are targeting, particularly when dealing with sensitive content such as private or password-protected posts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data duplication, creating significant risks for content security and data exposure. Attackers with Contributor-level access can leverage this flaw to duplicate private posts that should only be accessible to administrators or editors, potentially leading to unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. The ability to duplicate password-protected posts further amplifies the risk, as it allows attackers to create copies of restricted content that could then be shared or accessed by unauthorized parties. This vulnerability essentially undermines the fundamental principle of role-based access control that WordPress implements to protect sensitive content and maintain data integrity.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers "Valid Accounts: Cloud Accounts," as it exploits legitimate user accounts with existing privileges to perform unauthorized actions. The attack vector requires only authenticated access, making it particularly dangerous since it can be executed by users who already have legitimate access to the WordPress system. This makes the vulnerability especially concerning in environments where multiple users have Contributor-level access or higher, as it provides a mechanism for privilege escalation through content manipulation rather than direct authentication bypass.
The recommended mitigation strategies include immediate plugin updates to versions that address the authorization validation flaw, as well as implementing additional security measures such as role-based access restrictions and monitoring for unusual duplication activities. Administrators should also consider implementing network-level controls to limit access to the plugin's functionality and conduct regular security audits to identify potential unauthorized access patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and authorization checks in WordPress plugins, emphasizing that even seemingly simple functions like post duplication require robust security controls to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive content.