CVE-2025-14486 Overview
CVE-2025-14486 affects the PixelPlay plugin for WordPress in all versions up to and including 1.0.2. The plugin fails to enforce authorization checks on an API key management endpoint. Unauthenticated attackers can send crafted requests with the clear_api_type parameter to delete API keys configured by site administrators. Affected integrations include Pixabay, Unsplash, Pexels, and OpenAI. The flaw is classified as Missing Authorization [CWE-862] and is exploitable over the network without user interaction.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can remotely delete third-party API keys, disrupting video autoplay functionality and breaking integrations with Pixabay, Unsplash, Pexels, and OpenAI services.
Affected Products
- PixelPlay Video Autoplay WordPress Plugin, versions ≤ 1.0.2
- WordPress sites using PixelPlay for Pixabay, Unsplash, or Pexels media integration
- WordPress sites using PixelPlay with OpenAI API integration
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-09-22 - CVE-2025-14486 published to NVD
- 2026-09-22 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-14486
Vulnerability Analysis
The PixelPlay plugin exposes an API key clearing function that lacks capability and nonce checks. When a request reaches the handler, the plugin processes the clear_api_type parameter and removes the corresponding stored key without verifying the requester's identity or privileges. The impact is limited to integrity of stored configuration data. Confidentiality and availability of the underlying WordPress site are not directly affected, but plugin-dependent features stop working once keys are deleted. Restoring service requires an administrator to re-enter each affected API credential.
Root Cause
The root cause is a missing authorization check [CWE-862] on the key-deletion handler. The plugin registers an action accessible to unauthenticated users but does not call current_user_can() to validate administrator privileges. It also does not verify a WordPress nonce, so the endpoint accepts arbitrary external requests. This pattern is common in WordPress plugins that expose administrative functions through admin-ajax.php or REST routes without capability gating.
Attack Vector
An attacker sends an HTTP request to the vulnerable endpoint with the clear_api_type parameter set to a target service such as pixabay, unsplash, pexels, or openai. The request requires no authentication, cookies, or session tokens. Successful requests remove the configured API key from plugin options in the WordPress database. Repeated requests can enumerate and clear every supported key type. Refer to the Wordfence Vulnerability Report for further technical detail.
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Stop Identity AttacksDetection Methods for CVE-2025-14486
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected HTTP POST or GET requests to WordPress AJAX endpoints containing the clear_api_type parameter
- Sudden loss of Pixabay, Unsplash, Pexels, or OpenAI functionality on sites running PixelPlay
- Empty or missing API key values in the PixelPlay plugin settings without administrator action
- Access log entries from unauthenticated sources targeting PixelPlay action handlers
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web server access logs for requests to wp-admin/admin-ajax.php or plugin REST routes containing clear_api_type
- Correlate plugin option changes in the wp_options table with the absence of an authenticated administrator session
- Alert on any unauthenticated request reaching PixelPlay action handlers regardless of parameter values
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable WordPress audit logging to capture option updates and plugin setting changes
- Forward web server and WordPress logs to a centralized SIEM for correlation with configuration drift
- Monitor plugin installation inventory to identify sites still running PixelPlay 1.0.2 or earlier
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-14486
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress sites with the PixelPlay plugin installed and record installed versions
- Restrict access to wp-admin/admin-ajax.php from untrusted sources using a Web Application Firewall rule until a patch is available
- Rotate any exposed API keys for Pixabay, Unsplash, Pexels, and OpenAI after remediation to prevent stale-credential abuse
- Review recent plugin option changes to detect prior unauthorized deletions
Patch Information
At the time of publication, no vendor-supplied patched version is referenced in the enriched CVE data. Consult the Envato Plugin Details page and the Wordfence Vulnerability Report for updated fix guidance. Upgrade to a version above 1.0.2 once released by the vendor.
Workarounds
- Deactivate and remove the PixelPlay plugin until a patched release is available
- Deploy a WAF signature blocking requests that include the clear_api_type parameter targeting the plugin
- Restrict admin-ajax.php access to authenticated administrator IP ranges where feasible
# Example WAF rule (ModSecurity) blocking unauthenticated clear_api_type requests
SecRule REQUEST_URI "@contains admin-ajax.php" \
"chain,phase:2,deny,status:403,id:1014486,msg:'Block PixelPlay CVE-2025-14486 exploit attempt'"
SecRule ARGS_NAMES "@streq clear_api_type" "t:lowercase"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
