Description
The Export WP Page to Static HTML & PDF plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Sensitive Information Exposure in all versions up to, and including, 4.3.4 through publicly exposed cookies.txt files containing authentication cookies. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to cookies that may have been injected into the log file if the site administrator triggered a back-up using a specific user role like 'administrator.'
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-203201
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability identified in the Export WP Page to Static HTML & PDF plugin for WordPress (EUVD-2025-203201) is classified as a Sensitive Information Exposure. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to access authentication cookies stored in publicly exposed cookies.txt files. The severity of this vulnerability is rated with a CVSS Base Score of 9.8, which is considered critical. The CVSS vector CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H indicates the following:
- Attack Vector (AV): Network (N) - The vulnerability is exploitable over the network.
- Attack Complexity (AC): Low (L) - The attack requires minimal skill and resources.
- Privileges Required (PR): None (N) - No privileges are required to exploit the vulnerability.
- User Interaction (UI): None (N) - No user interaction is required.
- Scope (S): Unchanged (U) - The vulnerability does not change the security scope.
- Confidentiality (C): High (H) - There is a high impact on confidentiality.
- Integrity (I): High (H) - There is a high impact on integrity.
- Availability (A): High (H) - There is a high impact on availability.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
The primary attack vector involves unauthenticated attackers accessing the cookies.txt file, which contains authentication cookies. This can be exploited in several ways:
- Session Hijacking: Attackers can use the exposed authentication cookies to hijack active sessions, gaining unauthorized access to the WordPress admin panel.
- Privilege Escalation: If the cookies belong to an administrator, attackers can perform actions with elevated privileges, such as modifying content, installing malicious plugins, or exfiltrating sensitive data.
- Data Exfiltration: Attackers can exfiltrate sensitive information stored in the WordPress database, including user credentials, personal data, and other confidential information.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
The vulnerability affects all versions of the Export WP Page to Static HTML & PDF plugin up to and including version 4.3.4. Users of this plugin are at risk if they have not updated to a patched version.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
To mitigate this vulnerability, the following steps are recommended:
- Immediate Patching: Update the Export WP Page to Static HTML & PDF plugin to the latest version that addresses this vulnerability.
- Access Control: Implement strict access controls to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive files and directories.
- File Permissions: Ensure that file permissions are set correctly to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive files.
- Monitoring and Logging: Enable logging and monitoring to detect any unauthorized access attempts or suspicious activities.
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in the WordPress environment.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
The exposure of sensitive information through this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the European cybersecurity landscape. Organizations and individuals using the affected plugin are at risk of data breaches, unauthorized access, and potential compliance violations under regulations such as GDPR. The high severity of this vulnerability underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures and continuous monitoring of third-party plugins and software.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
- Vulnerability Type: Sensitive Information Exposure
- Affected Component:
cookies.txtfile containing authentication cookies - Exploitation Conditions: The vulnerability can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers over the network with low complexity.
- Detection Methods: Security professionals can detect this vulnerability by checking for the presence of publicly accessible
cookies.txtfiles and reviewing access logs for unauthorized access attempts. - Remediation Steps: Update the plugin to the latest version, review and adjust file permissions, and implement robust access controls and monitoring mechanisms.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in the Export WP Page to Static HTML & PDF plugin (EUVD-2025-203201) is critical and requires immediate attention. Organizations should prioritize updating the plugin and implementing additional security measures to protect against unauthorized access and data breaches. Continuous monitoring and regular security audits are essential to maintain a robust cybersecurity posture in the European landscape.