CVE-2025-4855 in Support Board Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/09/2025
The Support Board plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access/modification/deletion of data due to use of hardcoded default secrets in the sb_encryption() function in all versions up to, and including, 3.8.0. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to bypass authorization and execute arbitrary AJAX actions defined in the sb_ajax_execute() function. An attacker can use this vulnerability to exploit CVE-2025-4828 and various other functions unauthenticated.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-4855 affects the Support Board plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions up to and including 3.8.0. This issue stems from the improper handling of cryptographic operations within the plugin's codebase, creating a critical security weakness that undermines the integrity and confidentiality of the affected system. The vulnerability resides in the sb_encryption() function where hardcoded default secrets are utilized, fundamentally compromising the security model of the plugin's authentication mechanisms. Such implementation flaws represent a classic example of poor cryptographic practices that have severe implications for web application security.
The technical flaw manifests through the use of hardcoded secrets within the sb_encryption() function, which violates fundamental security principles outlined in CWE-310 and CWE-327. These hardcoded credentials create a persistent vulnerability that remains exploitable across all affected versions, as attackers can simply extract or guess the default values without requiring any specialized knowledge or tools. The weakness extends beyond simple encryption to encompass authorization bypass mechanisms, allowing unauthenticated attackers to gain access to the sb_ajax_execute() function and execute arbitrary AJAX actions. This represents a critical failure in the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a lack of proper session management and authentication controls. The vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to escalate their privileges and execute malicious code within the WordPress environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it enables attackers to perform unauthorized access, modification, and deletion of data without requiring valid authentication credentials. The ability to execute arbitrary AJAX actions through the sb_ajax_execute() function provides attackers with extensive control over the plugin's functionality and potentially the entire WordPress installation. This vulnerability can be leveraged to exploit additional security flaws such as CVE-2025-4828, creating a cascading effect that amplifies the overall security impact. Attackers can manipulate user data, modify content, delete critical information, and potentially establish persistent access through the compromised plugin. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the WordPress site, making it a critical concern for all administrators using the affected plugin version.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-4855 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the hardcoded secret vulnerability and implement proper cryptographic practices. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level protections such as web application firewalls and access control lists to limit exposure to unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following security best practices including the use of dynamic secret generation, proper key management, and regular security audits. Security teams should monitor for exploitation attempts and implement comprehensive logging to detect unauthorized access patterns. Additionally, administrators should consider disabling unnecessary AJAX endpoints and implementing additional authentication layers to reduce the attack surface. This vulnerability underscores the critical need for proper cryptographic implementation and highlights the dangers of relying on hardcoded credentials in security-sensitive applications, aligning with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access through hardcoded credentials.