CVE-2025-1502 Overview
CVE-2025-1502 affects the IP2Location Redirection plugin for WordPress in all versions up to and including 1.33.3. The vulnerability results from a missing capability check on the download_ip2location_redirection_backup AJAX action. Unauthenticated attackers can invoke this action to download the plugin's settings backup. The flaw is classified under CWE-862: Missing Authorization and is exploitable over the network without user interaction.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated remote attackers can retrieve the plugin's configuration backup, exposing redirection rules and internal site structure to reconnaissance.
Affected Products
- IP2Location Redirection plugin for WordPress, versions up to and including 1.33.3
- WordPress sites with the plugin installed and activated
- Any hosting environment exposing WordPress admin-ajax endpoints publicly
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-03-01 - CVE-2025-1502 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-1502
Vulnerability Analysis
The IP2Location Redirection plugin registers an AJAX handler for the download_ip2location_redirection_backup action. The handler generates a downloadable backup of the plugin's stored settings. The registered callback omits a capability check such as current_user_can('manage_options') and does not validate a nonce tied to a privileged user context. As a result, any client that can reach /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php can trigger the export.
The exposed data includes redirection rules, geolocation-based routing configuration, and any custom settings stored by the plugin. While the vulnerability does not permit modification or denial of service, the disclosed configuration can aid attackers in mapping site logic, identifying hidden endpoints, and planning follow-on attacks against exposed routes.
Root Cause
The root cause is a missing authorization control [CWE-862]. WordPress AJAX actions registered under wp_ajax_nopriv_ are reachable by unauthenticated users by design. The plugin registered the backup download action without gating access behind a user role or capability check, treating an administrative function as public.
Attack Vector
An attacker sends an HTTP POST request to admin-ajax.php with the action parameter set to download_ip2location_redirection_backup. No authentication cookie, nonce, or referrer is validated. The server responds with the backup payload. The request is a single unauthenticated network call, and no user interaction is required.
No verified proof-of-concept code has been published. Refer to the Wordfence Vulnerability Analysis and the WordPress Plugin Changeset for technical remediation details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-1502
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP POST requests to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php containing action=download_ip2location_redirection_backup from unauthenticated sources
- Outbound responses from admin-ajax.php containing plugin backup content larger than typical AJAX replies
- Access log entries showing repeated requests to the AJAX endpoint from a single IP without prior authentication cookies
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web server access logs for the download_ip2location_redirection_backup action parameter and correlate with request source IPs
- Deploy web application firewall rules that block unauthenticated invocations of the vulnerable AJAX action
- Review WordPress audit logs for anomalous backup download activity outside expected administrator sessions
Monitoring Recommendations
- Alert on requests to admin-ajax.php where the action parameter matches known vulnerable handlers from non-authenticated sessions
- Track response sizes for AJAX endpoints to identify unusual data exfiltration patterns
- Monitor for reconnaissance sequences that fingerprint installed plugins before targeted exploitation attempts
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-1502
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the IP2Location Redirection plugin to the version released after 1.33.3 that includes the capability check fix
- Audit WordPress sites to identify installations of the affected plugin and prioritize patching public-facing instances
- Rotate any credentials or tokens referenced within the plugin's stored settings if exposure is suspected
Patch Information
The vendor addressed the issue in the changeset referenced by the WordPress Plugin Changeset. The fix adds a capability check to the download_ip2location_redirection_backup AJAX handler. Site administrators should upgrade through the WordPress plugin update mechanism.
Workarounds
- Disable or uninstall the IP2Location Redirection plugin until the patched version is applied
- Block requests containing action=download_ip2location_redirection_backup at the WAF or reverse proxy layer for unauthenticated sessions
- Restrict access to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php from untrusted networks where operationally feasible
# Example ModSecurity rule to block unauthenticated exploitation
SecRule REQUEST_URI "@endsWith /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php" \
"chain,deny,status:403,id:1002025,msg:'Block CVE-2025-1502 exploitation'"
SecRule ARGS:action "@streq download_ip2location_redirection_backup" \
"chain"
SecRule &REQUEST_COOKIES:/wordpress_logged_in_/ "@eq 0"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
