CVE-2025-4631
CVE-2025-4631
Weakness (CWE)
CVSS Vector
v3.1- Attack Vector
- Network
- Attack Complexity
- Low
- Privileges Required
- None
- User Interaction
- None
- Scope
- Unchanged
- Confidentiality
- High
- Integrity
- High
- Availability
- High
Description
The Profitori plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Privilege Escalation due to a missing capability check on the stocktend_object endpoint in versions 2.0.6.0 to 2.1.1.3. This makes it possible to trigger the save_object_as_user() function for objects whose '_datatype' is set to 'users',. This allows unauthenticated attackers to write arbitrary strings straight into the user’s wp_capabilities meta field, potentially elevating the privileges of an existing user account or a newly created one to that of an administrator.
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of CVE-2025-4631
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
CVE ID: CVE-2025-4631 CVSS Score: 9.8
The vulnerability in the Profitori plugin for WordPress allows unauthenticated attackers to perform privilege escalation due to a missing capability check on the stocktend_object endpoint. This flaw enables attackers to write arbitrary strings into the wp_capabilities meta field of user accounts, potentially elevating their privileges to that of an administrator.
Severity Evaluation:
- CVSS Score: 9.8 (Critical)
- Impact: High
- Exploitability: High
The high CVSS score indicates a critical vulnerability that can be easily exploited with severe consequences, including full administrative access to the WordPress site.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Unauthenticated Access: Attackers can exploit this vulnerability without needing to authenticate, making it highly accessible.
- Privilege Escalation: By manipulating the
_datatypeparameter to 'users' and invoking thesave_object_as_user()function, attackers can modify user capabilities.
Exploitation Methods:
- Direct Exploitation: An attacker can send a crafted HTTP request to the
stocktend_objectendpoint, specifying the_datatypeas 'users' and including the desired capabilities in the request payload. - Automated Scripts: Attackers can use automated scripts to scan for vulnerable WordPress sites and exploit the vulnerability en masse.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Software:
- Profitori Plugin for WordPress
- Versions: 2.0.6.0 to 2.1.1.3
Affected Systems:
- Any WordPress installation using the Profitori plugin within the specified version range.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Actions:
- Update the Plugin: Ensure that the Profitori plugin is updated to a version that includes a fix for this vulnerability.
- Disable the Plugin: If an update is not available, consider disabling the plugin until a patch is released.
- Monitor for Suspicious Activity: Implement monitoring to detect any unusual activity related to user privilege changes.
Long-Term Strategies:
- Regular Updates: Maintain a regular update schedule for all plugins and the WordPress core.
- Access Controls: Implement strict access controls and capability checks within custom plugins and themes.
- Security Plugins: Use security plugins like Wordfence to detect and mitigate potential threats.
5. Impact on Cybersecurity Landscape
Immediate Impact:
- Compromised Sites: Websites using the vulnerable versions of the Profitori plugin are at high risk of being compromised, leading to data breaches and unauthorized access.
- Reputation Damage: Organizations may suffer reputational damage if their websites are exploited.
Long-Term Impact:
- Increased Awareness: This vulnerability highlights the importance of regular updates and thorough security audits for plugins.
- Enhanced Security Measures: Developers and administrators may adopt more stringent security practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Vulnerable Endpoint:
stocktend_object
Vulnerable Function:
save_object_as_user()
Exploitation Steps:
- Identify the Endpoint: Locate the
stocktend_objectendpoint in the vulnerable plugin versions. - Craft the Request: Create an HTTP request with the
_datatypeparameter set to 'users' and include the desired capabilities in the payload. - Send the Request: Execute the request to modify the
wp_capabilitiesmeta field of a user account.
Code References:
Mitigation Code Example:
if ( ! current_user_can( 'manage_options' ) ) {
wp_die( __( 'You do not have sufficient permissions to access this page.' ) );
}
Conclusion: CVE-2025-4631 represents a critical vulnerability in the Profitori plugin for WordPress, allowing unauthenticated privilege escalation. Immediate mitigation strategies include updating the plugin, disabling it if necessary, and implementing strict access controls. The long-term impact underscores the need for vigilant security practices in plugin development and maintenance.