CVE-2025-14358: REHub Framework Auth Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2025-14358 Overview

CVE-2025-14358 is a Missing Authorization vulnerability (CWE-862) affecting the REHub Framework WordPress plugin by sizam. This broken access control flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to access functionality that should be properly constrained by Access Control Lists (ACLs). The vulnerability enables remote attackers to bypass authorization checks and interact with protected functionality without proper credentials.

Critical Impact

This vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote attackers to bypass authorization controls and access restricted functionality in WordPress sites running the vulnerable REHub Framework plugin, potentially leading to complete site compromise with high impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Affected Products

• REHub Framework WordPress Plugin versions through 19.9.5
• WordPress sites utilizing the rehub-framework plugin
• Sites running REHub theme with the associated framework component

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-01-08 - CVE CVE-2025-14358 published to NVD
• 2026-01-08 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-14358

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability stems from missing authorization checks within the REHub Framework WordPress plugin. This broken access control issue allows attackers to access functionality that should be restricted to authorized users only. The flaw falls under CWE-862 (Missing Authorization), indicating that the application fails to perform proper authorization checks before granting access to protected resources or functionality.

WordPress plugins that fail to implement proper authorization controls expose sites to significant risk, as attackers can leverage these gaps to perform actions reserved for administrators or other privileged users. In this case, the REHub Framework does not properly constrain functionality by ACLs, creating a pathway for unauthorized access.

Root Cause

The root cause is the absence of proper authorization verification in the REHub Framework plugin. The plugin fails to validate whether the requesting user has the appropriate permissions before allowing access to protected functionality. This typically occurs when developers assume that hiding functionality from the user interface is sufficient protection, rather than implementing server-side authorization checks on all sensitive operations.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based, requiring no authentication or user interaction. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely by sending crafted HTTP requests directly to vulnerable endpoints in the REHub Framework plugin. Since no privileges are required and the attack complexity is low, exploitation is straightforward for attackers who identify the vulnerable functionality.

The vulnerability can be exploited by directly accessing unprotected AJAX actions or REST API endpoints exposed by the plugin. Without proper capability checks, these endpoints process requests from any user, including unauthenticated visitors.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-14358

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual or unauthorized modifications to WordPress site content or settings
• Unexpected AJAX requests to REHub Framework plugin endpoints from external IP addresses
• Access log entries showing direct requests to plugin endpoints without corresponding authenticated sessions
• Changes to user roles or permissions that were not performed by administrators

Detection Strategies

• Monitor WordPress access logs for suspicious requests targeting /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with REHub-related action parameters
• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block unauthorized access attempts to plugin functionality
• Review audit logs for changes made without corresponding administrator activity
• Deploy endpoint detection solutions to identify exploitation attempts in real-time

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive logging for all WordPress AJAX and REST API requests
• Configure alerts for access attempts to administrative functions from unauthenticated sessions
• Regularly audit WordPress user accounts and permissions for unauthorized changes
• Monitor file integrity for unexpected modifications to WordPress core and plugin files

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-14358

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the REHub Framework plugin to the latest patched version immediately
• Audit your WordPress site for any signs of unauthorized access or modifications
• Review user accounts and permissions for any unauthorized changes
• Consider temporarily disabling the REHub Framework plugin until a patch can be applied if an update is not yet available

Patch Information

Organizations using the REHub Framework WordPress plugin should check for updates through the WordPress admin dashboard or the vendor's official channels. The vulnerability affects versions through 19.9.5, so updating to a version newer than 19.9.5 is required to address this issue. Consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for the latest patch information and remediation guidance.

Workarounds

• Implement Web Application Firewall rules to restrict access to sensitive plugin endpoints
• Limit access to the WordPress admin area by IP address where feasible
• Use a security plugin to add additional authorization layers to AJAX and REST API endpoints
• Disable any non-essential REHub Framework functionality until the patch is applied

# WordPress configuration hardening example
# Add to wp-config.php to limit AJAX access (adjust based on your requirements)
# Note: This is a general hardening measure, not a complete fix for this vulnerability

# Disable file editing from WordPress admin
define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);

# Force SSL for admin and login pages
define('FORCE_SSL_ADMIN', true);