CVE-2025-3853 in WPshop Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/07/2025
The WPshop 2 – E-Commerce plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Insecure Direct Object Reference in versions 2.0.0 to 2.6.0 via the callback_generate_api_key() due to missing validation on a user controlled key. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to create valid API keys on behalf of other users.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2025
The WPshop 2 e-commerce plugin for WordPress presents a critical security vulnerability classified as CVE-2025-3853, affecting versions between 2.0.0 and 2.6.0. This vulnerability manifests as an insecure direct object reference flaw within the callback_generate_api_key() function, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to manipulate API key generation processes. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation on a user-controlled parameter that governs the API key creation mechanism, allowing malicious actors to exploit this weakness for unauthorized access to other users' accounts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the callback_generate_api_key() function which fails to properly validate or sanitize user inputs before processing API key generation requests. This flaw operates under the CWE-284 access control weakness category, specifically targeting improper access control mechanisms that permit unauthorized users to access resources they should not be able to reach. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it requires only subscriber-level privileges or higher, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by users who already have some level of access to the WordPress system. Attackers can leverage this weakness to generate valid API keys that grant them access to other users' data and functionalities within the e-commerce platform.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to impersonate legitimate users within the WPshop 2 ecosystem. This creates a significant risk for businesses relying on the plugin for e-commerce operations, as unauthorized individuals could potentially access customer data, modify orders, or perform financial transactions using stolen API keys. The vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and credential access categories, specifically targeting the use of valid credentials for unauthorized access. Organizations may experience data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage as a result of this vulnerability being exploited in the wild.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-3853 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the insecure direct object reference flaw, while also implementing additional security controls such as role-based access restrictions and monitoring of API key generation activities. Administrators should conduct thorough security audits of all installed plugins and ensure proper input validation mechanisms are in place. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper access control implementation and input sanitization in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive user data and financial transactions. Organizations should also consider implementing automated security scanning tools that can detect similar insecure direct object reference patterns in their codebase to prevent future occurrences of such vulnerabilities.