CVE-2025-2815

CVE-2025-2815: Administrator Z Plugin Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Description:

The Administrator Z plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data leading to privilege escalation. The adminz_import_backup() function lacks a capability check in versions up to and including 2025.03.24.

Severity:

  • CVSS Score: 8.8 (High)
  • Vector: AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Known Exploit:

Authenticated attackers (Subscriber-level or higher) can exploit this vulnerability to update arbitrary WordPress options. A common exploitation method involves:

  1. Updating the default role for new user registrations to “administrator.”
  2. Enabling user registration.
  3. Registering a new user, effectively granting the attacker administrative access.

Remediation / Mitigation Strategy:

  1. Immediate Action:

    • Update the Administrator Z plugin: The most effective remediation is to update the plugin to a version that includes a fix for this vulnerability. Contact the plugin developer for updated versions.
    • Disable the plugin: If an update is not immediately available, disable the Administrator Z plugin entirely until a patched version is released. This will prevent any further exploitation of the vulnerability.

  2. Short-Term Mitigation: (If immediate update is not possible)

    • Restrict User Registration: Disable user registration if it’s not a core function of the website. Navigate to “Settings” > “General” and ensure the “Membership” checkbox (“Anyone can register”) is unchecked.
    • Monitor User Roles: Closely monitor the user roles assigned to newly registered users. Immediately remove administrator privileges from any unauthorized accounts.
    • Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) Rules: If possible, implement WAF rules to detect and block attempts to access or exploit the adminz_import_backup() function without proper authorization. Consult with WAF vendor documentation for creating custom rules.

  3. Long-Term Security Practices:

    • Principle of Least Privilege: Regularly review and enforce the principle of least privilege, ensuring users only have the minimum necessary permissions to perform their tasks.
    • Vulnerability Scanning: Implement regular vulnerability scanning of the WordPress installation, plugins, and themes.
    • Security Auditing: Conduct periodic security audits of the WordPress site, including code reviews of custom plugins and themes.
    • WordPress Core and Plugin Updates: Establish a process for regularly updating WordPress core, themes, and plugins to the latest versions. Enable automatic updates where feasible and appropriate.
    • Security Monitoring and Logging: Implement comprehensive security monitoring and logging to detect and respond to suspicious activity. Monitor WordPress logs for error messages or unusual requests related to the Administrator Z plugin.

Assigner

Date

  • Published Date: 2025-03-28 11:13:13
  • Updated Date: 2025-03-28 18:11:40

More Details

CVE-2025-2815