CVE-2025-31870 in WP AutoKeyword Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/01/2025
Missing Authorization vulnerability in EXEIdeas International WP AutoKeyword allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels. This issue affects WP AutoKeyword: from n/a through 1.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-31870 represents a critical missing authorization flaw within the WP AutoKeyword plugin developed by EXEIdeas International. This security weakness stems from incorrectly configured access control security levels that permit unauthorized users to exploit the system's protective mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions of the WP AutoKeyword plugin ranging from the initial release through version 1.0, indicating that the authorization bypass exists across the entire version spectrum of this particular plugin release cycle. The issue manifests as a failure in the plugin's access control implementation, where proper authentication and authorization checks are either absent or improperly enforced, allowing malicious actors to perform actions they should not be permitted to execute.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which describes improper authorization conditions within software systems. This misconfiguration creates a pathway for attackers to bypass the intended access control mechanisms that should restrict administrative functions to authorized users only. The flaw operates at the application layer where user permissions and privileges are managed, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate plugin settings, access restricted data, or perform administrative tasks without proper authentication credentials. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access as it fundamentally undermines the security model that protects the WordPress installation from malicious activity.
From an operational perspective, this missing authorization vulnerability poses significant risks to WordPress site administrators and their users. Attackers exploiting this flaw could gain access to sensitive plugin configurations, potentially leading to data manipulation, content injection, or even complete compromise of the affected WordPress installation. The vulnerability's presence in version 1.0 suggests that the plugin's developers may have overlooked proper access control implementation during the initial development phase, creating a persistent security gap that affects all installations using this version. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that WordPress plugins often serve as attack vectors due to their extended functionality and potential for privilege escalation.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1078 which focuses on valid accounts and legitimate credentials. Attackers could leverage this flaw to elevate privileges within the WordPress environment, potentially moving from a standard user account to an administrator role. The impact on system security is compounded by the fact that WordPress plugins frequently have elevated privileges to modify site content and configuration settings, making this authorization bypass particularly dangerous. Organizations using the affected plugin version should immediately implement mitigations to prevent potential exploitation, as the vulnerability could enable attackers to establish persistent access or cause significant disruption to website operations.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the authorization flaw, though no patch information is available for this specific vulnerability at present. System administrators should implement additional access control measures including role-based access restrictions, enhanced monitoring of plugin activities, and regular security audits of installed WordPress components. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help identify and block exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability pattern. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing to ensure that access control mechanisms function correctly after any patch implementation, as improper configuration of access controls can introduce additional security gaps. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to reduce the window of vulnerability exposure for all WordPress plugins and core components.