CVE-2025-4601 in Real Estate Theme Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/10/2025
The "RH - Real Estate WordPress Theme" theme for WordPress is vulnerable to Privilege Escalation in all versions up to, and including, 4.4.0. This is due to the theme not properly restricting user roles that can be updated as part of the inspiry_update_profile() function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level access and above, to set their role to that of an administrator. The vulnerability was partially patched in version 4.4.0, and fully patched in version 4.4.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-4601 affects the RH - Real Estate WordPress Theme, a popular theme used for real estate websites built on the WordPress platform. This privilege escalation vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that allows authenticated users to elevate their privileges within the WordPress system. The issue stems from improper role validation within the theme's codebase, specifically in the inspiry_update_profile() function that handles user profile updates. The vulnerability exists across all versions up to and including 4.4.0, making it a widespread concern for WordPress site administrators who have not yet updated their installations. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited by users who already possess subscriber-level access or higher, meaning that even low-privilege accounts can potentially gain administrative control over affected websites.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through the inspiry_update_profile() function which fails to properly validate user roles during profile modification operations. When an authenticated user attempts to update their profile information, the function does not adequately check whether the requesting user has sufficient privileges to modify role assignments. This lack of proper access control validation creates an exploitable condition where malicious users can manipulate role parameters to elevate themselves to administrator status. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control mechanisms, specifically focusing on insufficient privileges or incorrect access control checks. The partial patch implemented in version 4.4.0 suggests that the developers recognized the issue but did not fully resolve the underlying access control flaw, leaving systems vulnerable to continued exploitation until the complete patch in version 4.4.1 was deployed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security model of WordPress installations using the affected theme. An attacker with subscriber-level access can gain complete administrative control over the website, enabling them to modify content, install malicious plugins, change user permissions, access sensitive data, and potentially use the compromised site as a launching point for further attacks within the network. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers legitimate credentials and abuse of access privileges, as it allows unauthorized elevation of privileges through legitimate user account access. The implications for website owners are severe, as the vulnerability can lead to complete site compromise, data breaches, and potential use as a command and control center for further malicious activities. Organizations relying on the RH - Real Estate theme for their online presence face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential business disruption.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate deployment of the patched version 4.4.1, which fully resolves the privilege escalation vulnerability. Site administrators should conduct thorough security audits of their WordPress installations to identify any users who may have been compromised through this vulnerability, particularly focusing on recent profile updates or role changes. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual user behavior patterns, including unexpected role modifications or administrative access attempts. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as role-based access controls, regular security scanning, and monitoring for unauthorized modifications to theme files. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping WordPress themes and plugins updated, as well as the necessity of implementing comprehensive security practices that go beyond basic patch management to include continuous monitoring and access control validation.