CVE-2025-0177

Remediation/Mitigation Strategy: CVE-2025-0177 - Javo Core Plugin Privilege Escalation

This document outlines the vulnerability, severity, known exploit, and the recommended remediation/mitigation strategy for CVE-2025-0177, a critical vulnerability affecting the Javo Core WordPress plugin.

1. Vulnerability Description:

  • CVE ID: CVE-2025-0177
  • Plugin: Javo Core
  • Affected Versions: All versions up to and including 3.0.0.080
  • Description: The Javo Core plugin allows unauthenticated users registering new accounts to specify their own user role. This allows malicious actors to create new accounts with administrative privileges. Effectively, anyone can create an administrator account on the affected WordPress site.

2. Severity:

  • CVSS Score: 9.8 (Critical)
  • Impact: Full system compromise. Attackers can gain complete control of the WordPress site, including:
    • Modifying or deleting content
    • Installing malicious plugins or themes
    • Redirecting users to phishing sites
    • Harvesting user data
    • Potentially gaining access to the underlying server.

3. Known Exploit:

  • Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by simply registering a new user account via the plugin’s registration form and setting the user role to “administrator” or another privileged role. This requires no authentication or special skills. The plugin improperly handles user role assignment during registration.

4. Remediation/Mitigation Strategy:

Immediate Actions (Required):

  • Upgrade the Javo Core Plugin: The most important step is to immediately upgrade the Javo Core plugin to a version greater than 3.0.0.080. The updated version should contain a patch that prevents unauthorized role assignment during registration. Check the WordPress plugin repository or the plugin developer’s website for the latest version.
  • Disable User Registration (Temporarily): If an immediate upgrade is not possible, temporarily disable user registration on your WordPress site. This will prevent attackers from creating new accounts and exploiting the vulnerability. You can usually find the user registration setting under Settings -> General in your WordPress admin dashboard (uncheck “Anyone can register”).
  • Review Existing User Accounts: Thoroughly review all existing user accounts on your WordPress site. Look for newly created accounts with administrative privileges that you did not authorize. Delete any suspicious accounts immediately. Pay special attention to accounts created around the time this vulnerability became public.

Long-Term Actions (Recommended):

  • Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Ensure that you have a well-defined RBAC strategy in place. Regularly review and update user permissions to follow the principle of least privilege (POLP).
  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enforce 2FA for all administrator accounts. This adds an extra layer of security, even if an attacker manages to compromise a password.
  • Security Hardening: Implement other security hardening measures for your WordPress site, such as:
    • Using a strong password policy
    • Disabling directory browsing
    • Regularly backing up your website
    • Using a web application firewall (WAF)
  • Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits of your WordPress site and all installed plugins and themes. Consider using a security scanning plugin or hiring a security professional.
  • Monitor for Suspicious Activity: Continuously monitor your website’s logs for any suspicious activity, such as unusual login attempts or unauthorized file modifications.
  • Consider a Different Plugin: If you are not actively using the Javo Core plugin or have concerns about its security practices, consider finding an alternative plugin with similar functionality from a reputable developer.

5. Verification:

After applying the remediation steps, verify the following:

  • Confirm that the Javo Core plugin is updated to the latest version.
  • Attempt to register a new user account. Ensure that the role is not being set by the user and defaults to a standard role like “subscriber”.
  • Review your WordPress user list to ensure no unauthorized administrator accounts remain.

6. Communication:

  • Communicate the vulnerability and the required actions to all relevant stakeholders, including website administrators, developers, and users.

Disclaimer: This document provides general guidance on mitigating the CVE-2025-0177 vulnerability. The specific steps required to secure your WordPress site may vary depending on your specific environment and configuration. Consult with a security professional if you have any doubts or concerns.

Assigner

Date

  • Published Date: 2025-03-08 09:15:31
  • Updated Date: 2025-03-08 09:15:31

More Details

CVE-2025-0177