CVE-2025-14437 in Hummingbird Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/18/2025
The Hummingbird Performance plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Sensitive Information Exposure in all versions up to, and including, 3.18.0 via the 'request' function. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to extract sensitive data including Cloudflare API credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2026
The Hummingbird Performance plugin for WordPress presents a critical security vulnerability through its 'request' function that exposes sensitive information to unauthenticated attackers. This vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 3.18.0, making it a widespread concern for WordPress administrators who rely on this popular performance optimization tool. The flaw resides in how the plugin handles API requests and data processing, creating an unintended pathway for attackers to access confidential information that should remain protected within the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient access controls within the plugin's request handling mechanism. When the plugin processes certain API calls or data retrieval operations, it fails to properly sanitize or restrict access to sensitive information that may be stored in the plugin's configuration or database. This oversight allows attackers to craft specific requests that bypass normal authentication requirements and extract valuable credentials including Cloudflare API keys that are typically protected within the WordPress environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as Cloudflare API credentials provide attackers with significant access to network security controls and content delivery services. Once compromised, these credentials can enable attackers to manipulate DNS records, modify security settings, and potentially gain unauthorized control over the affected websites' network infrastructure. The exposure of such sensitive data creates a substantial risk for organizations relying on Cloudflare for their security posture and website performance optimization.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor, and represents a clear violation of information security principles. The attack pattern follows the techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under T1566 for credential access and T1071 for application layer protocols. Organizations using the affected plugin versions face potential data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations that could result in significant financial and reputational damage. The lack of authentication requirements for accessing sensitive data makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it requires no prior access or privileges to exploit.
Immediate mitigation strategies should include upgrading to the latest plugin version where the vulnerability has been patched, implementing additional access controls through web application firewalls, and monitoring for suspicious API requests. System administrators should also review and rotate all exposed Cloudflare API credentials, conduct comprehensive security audits of their WordPress installations, and implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation, access control implementation, and regular security testing of third-party plugins to maintain robust security postures.