CVE-2025-23781: WM Options Import Export Info Disclosure

CVE-2025-23781 Overview

CVE-2025-23781 is an Insertion of Sensitive Information Into Sent Data vulnerability (CWE-201) affecting the WM Options Import Export WordPress plugin developed by Web Mumbai. This vulnerability allows attackers to retrieve embedded sensitive data from the plugin's exported options data, potentially exposing confidential configuration settings, credentials, or other sensitive information stored in WordPress options.

The vulnerability exists in version 1.0.1 and earlier of the wm-options-import-export plugin. The plugin's export functionality fails to properly sanitize or filter sensitive data before including it in exported files, allowing attackers with appropriate access to extract confidential information that should not be disclosed.

Critical Impact

Attackers can retrieve sensitive data embedded within WordPress options exports, potentially exposing API keys, database credentials, authentication tokens, and other confidential configuration data stored in WordPress options tables.

Affected Products

• WM Options Import Export plugin version 1.0.1 and earlier
• WordPress installations using the wm-options-import-export plugin

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-01-22 - CVE-2025-23781 published to NVD
• 2026-04-15 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-23781

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability falls under the Sensitive Data Exposure category (CWE-201: Insertion of Sensitive Information Into Sent Data). The WM Options Import Export plugin is designed to allow WordPress administrators to export and import site options for backup or migration purposes. However, the plugin fails to implement proper data filtering mechanisms, resulting in sensitive information being included in exported data files.

When the export functionality is triggered, the plugin retrieves WordPress options from the database and packages them for download. The vulnerability occurs because the plugin does not distinguish between options that are safe to export and those that contain sensitive information such as API keys, database connection strings, email server credentials, or third-party service authentication tokens.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is the lack of proper data sanitization and filtering in the export functionality of the WM Options Import Export plugin. The plugin indiscriminately exports all WordPress options without implementing a mechanism to:

1. Identify and exclude options known to contain sensitive data
2. Allow administrators to select which options should be exported
3. Mask or redact sensitive values before export
4. Implement access controls to restrict who can perform exports

This design flaw allows sensitive configuration data to be exposed to users who may have export capabilities but should not have access to certain confidential settings.

Attack Vector

An attacker with access to the WordPress admin panel and the plugin's export functionality can exploit this vulnerability to extract sensitive information. The attack flow involves accessing the plugin's export feature and downloading the options file, which contains embedded sensitive data that should not be exposed. This exported data may include plaintext credentials, API keys, or other authentication tokens that can be used for further attacks against the WordPress installation or connected services.

The vulnerability requires authenticated access to WordPress administration, though the level of privilege required depends on the plugin's access control implementation. Once the export is performed, the attacker can analyze the exported file offline to extract any sensitive information contained within.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-23781

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual access patterns to the WM Options Import Export plugin's export functionality
• Multiple export operations performed in a short timeframe by the same user
• Export operations initiated by users who typically don't perform administrative backup tasks
• Access logs showing requests to the plugin's export endpoints from suspicious IP addresses

Detection Strategies

• Monitor WordPress admin audit logs for export operations performed by the wm-options-import-export plugin
• Implement file integrity monitoring to detect when export files are generated
• Review user access logs for unauthorized or unusual administrative activity targeting plugin functionality
• Configure web application firewall (WAF) rules to alert on plugin-specific export request patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive WordPress activity logging using security plugins
• Configure alerts for any administrative actions involving the WM Options Import Export plugin
• Review user permissions regularly to ensure only authorized administrators have access to export functionality
• Implement session monitoring to detect potential account compromise that could lead to unauthorized exports

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-23781

Immediate Actions Required

• Immediately deactivate and remove the WM Options Import Export plugin (wm-options-import-export) from all WordPress installations
• Audit any previously exported files for sensitive data exposure and rotate any credentials that may have been compromised
• Review WordPress user access logs to identify any recent export operations that may have exposed sensitive data
• Consider using alternative, well-maintained options import/export plugins with proper security controls

Patch Information

At the time of this publication, no patch has been confirmed for this vulnerability affecting WM Options Import Export version 1.0.1 and earlier. Users should consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for the latest information on available fixes and vendor response.

Workarounds

• Completely remove the WM Options Import Export plugin from WordPress installations until a security patch is available
• If export functionality is required, use alternative WordPress backup or migration plugins that implement proper sensitive data filtering
• Implement strict access controls to limit which users can access administrative plugin functions
• Regularly rotate credentials stored in WordPress options to minimize the impact of potential exposure
• Consider storing sensitive credentials in environment variables or separate configuration files rather than WordPress options tables