CVE-2025-7642 in Simpler Checkout Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/23/2025
The Simpler Checkout plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Authentication Bypass in versions 0.7.0 to 1.1.9. This is due to the plugin not properly verifying a user's identity prior to logging them in as an admin through the simplerwc_woocommerce_order_created() function. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to log in as other users based on their order ID, which can be an administrator if a site admin has placed a test order.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-7642 affects the Simpler Checkout plugin for WordPress, specifically impacting versions ranging from 0.7.0 through 1.1.9. This authentication bypass flaw represents a critical security weakness that undermines the fundamental integrity of user authentication mechanisms within the WordPress ecosystem. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation procedures within the plugin's codebase, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's trust model and gain unauthorized access to administrative privileges.
The technical flaw manifests through the simplerwc_woocommerce_order_created() function which fails to properly authenticate user identities before executing administrative login operations. This function appears to rely on order identifiers as a means of user verification, creating a dangerous dependency on predictable and publicly accessible order data. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting requests that leverage valid order IDs to impersonate legitimate users, particularly targeting administrator accounts when they have placed test orders within the system. The vulnerability essentially transforms order identification numbers into unauthorized access tokens, bypassing standard authentication protocols that should validate credentials through proper user authentication mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially enabling attackers to execute a wide range of malicious activities within the compromised WordPress environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain administrative privileges and subsequently modify or delete content, install malicious plugins, alter user permissions, and access sensitive data including customer information, payment details, and private communications. The implications are particularly severe given that order IDs are often publicly accessible through various interfaces and can be easily enumerated, making this attack vector particularly accessible to threat actors with minimal technical expertise.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege that should govern all authentication mechanisms. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1078 Valid Accounts, where attackers leverage legitimate credentials or account identifiers to gain access to systems. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this vulnerability affects a widely used plugin, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools and increasing the potential for widespread compromise across multiple WordPress installations. Organizations utilizing the affected plugin versions face significant risk of unauthorized administrative access and potential complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the authentication bypass vulnerability, with administrators conducting thorough security assessments of their WordPress installations to identify any potential exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include implementing robust access controls, monitoring authentication logs for suspicious activities, and ensuring that order identifiers are not exposed through public interfaces. Security hardening practices should also include regular vulnerability scanning, maintaining updated security patches, and implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication and privilege management controls to reduce the overall risk associated with authentication bypass vulnerabilities.