The CVE-2025-2103 vulnerability affects the SoundRise Music plugin for WordPress, specifically versions up to and including 1.6.11. The issue stems from a missing capability check in the `ironMusic_ajax()` function, which allows authenticated attackers with subscriber-level access or higher to modify arbitrary options on the WordPress site. This flaw can be exploited to escalate privileges by updating the default user role for registration to “administrator” and enabling user registration. Consequently, attackers can create administrative accounts and gain full control over the vulnerable WordPress site. The vulnerability is classified as critical due to its potential for widespread exploitation and significant impact on site security.
DailyCVE Form:
Platform: WordPress
Version: 1.6.11 and below
Vulnerability: Privilege Escalation
Severity: Critical
Date: 03/14/2025
What Undercode Say:
Exploitation:
1. Exploit Code Example:
add_action('wp_ajax_ironMusic_ajax', 'malicious_function');
function malicious_function() {
update_option('default_role', 'administrator');
update_option('users_can_register', 1);
}
This code snippet demonstrates how an attacker can exploit the missing capability check to escalate privileges.
2. Manual Exploit Steps:
- Log in as a subscriber or higher.
- Send a crafted AJAX request to the `ironMusic_ajax` endpoint.
- Modify the `default_role` and `users_can_register` options.
3. Exploit Command:
curl -X POST -d "action=ironMusic_ajax" http://vulnerable-site.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php
Protection:
1. Patch Application:
- Update the SoundRise Music plugin to the latest version beyond 1.6.11.
2. Temporary Mitigation:
- Disable the plugin if not in use.
- Restrict access to the `wp-admin/admin-ajax.php` file for non-administrative users.
3. Security Plugins:
- Install Wordfence or iThemes Security to monitor and block suspicious activities.
4. Code Fix:
Add a capability check to the `ironMusic_ajax()` function:
function ironMusic_ajax() {
if (!current_user_can('manage_options')) {
wp_die('Unauthorized access.');
}
// Original function code
}
5. Monitoring:
- Regularly audit user roles and site options for unauthorized changes.
- Enable logging for AJAX requests to detect exploitation attempts.
6. Firewall Rules:
- Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to block malicious requests targeting the plugin.
7. User Role Management:
- Limit the number of users with subscriber-level access.
- Regularly review and revoke unnecessary permissions.
By following these steps, administrators can mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2025-2103 and secure their WordPress installations.
References:
Reported By: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-2103
Extra Source Hub:
Undercode
