CVE-2025-8482 in Simple Local Avatars Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/12/2025
The Simple Local Avatars plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data in version 2.8.4. This is due to a missing capability check on the migrate_from_wp_user_avatar() function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-level access and above, to migrate avatar metadata for all users.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2025
The Simple Local Avatars plugin for WordPress presents a significant security vulnerability in its version 2.8.4 that allows unauthorized data modification through a critical capability check failure. This vulnerability specifically affects the migrate_from_wp_user_avatar() function which lacks proper authorization validation, creating a pathway for malicious actors with subscriber-level privileges or higher to manipulate avatar metadata across all users on the platform. The flaw represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates poor access control implementation within the plugin's codebase.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the absence of capability verification within the migrate_from_wp_user_avatar() function, which should require administrative privileges to perform user avatar metadata migration operations. Attackers with subscriber-level access can exploit this gap to modify avatar data for any user account on the WordPress site, potentially leading to data integrity compromise and unauthorized profile manipulation. This issue aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Vulnerability, specifically concerning insufficient access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized users to perform privileged operations. The vulnerability enables attackers to leverage their existing user access to escalate their influence over user profile information without requiring additional administrative credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data modification as it creates opportunities for social engineering attacks, reputation damage, and potential further exploitation within the WordPress ecosystem. An attacker could systematically modify user avatars to display malicious content, create confusion among users, or establish a foothold for more sophisticated attacks by manipulating user profile data. The vulnerability's accessibility to authenticated users with minimal privileges makes it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with basic user accounts, potentially including compromised accounts or malicious insiders. This weakness directly contradicts the security model of WordPress where user permissions should strictly limit what actions individuals can perform within the system.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate plugin updates to versions that address the capability check deficiency, alongside comprehensive security auditing of all WordPress plugins for similar access control vulnerabilities. Administrators should implement strict user permission reviews and consider additional security measures such as role-based access controls and monitoring of avatar modification activities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing proper input validation and capability checks for all functions that modify user data, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts to prevent exploitation through legitimate user access. Regular security assessments and adherence to secure coding practices including proper authorization validation are essential to prevent similar issues in future plugin development and maintenance cycles.