CVE-2025-24607: IdeaPush Auth Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2025-24607 Overview

CVE-2025-24607 is a critical Missing Authorization vulnerability affecting the IdeaPush WordPress plugin developed by Northern Beaches Websites. This broken access control flaw allows attackers to exploit incorrectly configured access control security levels, potentially gaining unauthorized access to protected functionality within WordPress installations using the vulnerable plugin versions.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can bypass authorization checks to access restricted functionality, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, modification, or complete site compromise.

Affected Products

• Northern Beaches Websites IdeaPush plugin for WordPress (versions through 8.71)
• WordPress installations running IdeaPush plugin version 8.71 and earlier
• Any WordPress site utilizing the IdeaPush idea management functionality

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-02-14 - CVE-2025-24607 published to NVD
• 2025-05-23 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-24607

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-862 (Missing Authorization), indicating that the IdeaPush plugin fails to properly verify user permissions before allowing access to certain functionality. The flaw exists in the plugin's access control implementation, where authorization checks are either absent or improperly configured, allowing unauthenticated or low-privileged users to perform actions that should be restricted.

The vulnerability affects the WordPress plugin ecosystem, where plugins often handle sensitive user data and site functionality. In the case of IdeaPush, which is designed to manage idea submissions and voting on WordPress sites, the missing authorization could allow attackers to manipulate ideas, access user submissions, or perform administrative actions without proper credentials.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2025-24607 is the absence of proper authorization verification in the IdeaPush plugin. WordPress plugins typically need to implement capability checks using functions like current_user_can() to verify that users have appropriate permissions before executing sensitive operations. The vulnerable versions of IdeaPush fail to implement these checks adequately, creating a broken access control condition that attackers can exploit.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, requiring no authentication, user interaction, or special privileges to exploit. An attacker can remotely target WordPress sites running vulnerable versions of IdeaPush by sending crafted HTTP requests directly to the affected plugin endpoints. The attack complexity is low, meaning exploitation does not require specialized conditions or advanced techniques.

The vulnerability allows attackers to bypass authorization controls remotely. Since no verified proof-of-concept code is available, the exploitation mechanism involves sending requests to plugin endpoints that lack proper permission validation. For detailed technical information, refer to the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-24607

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected modifications to idea submissions or voting data within IdeaPush
• Unusual HTTP requests targeting IdeaPush plugin endpoints from unauthenticated sources
• Access log entries showing requests to /wp-content/plugins/ideapush/ from suspicious IP addresses
• Unauthorized changes to plugin settings or configuration

Detection Strategies

• Monitor WordPress access logs for unusual activity targeting the IdeaPush plugin directory
• Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block requests attempting to bypass authorization
• Review plugin activity logs for actions performed by unauthenticated or unexpected users
• Conduct regular security audits of WordPress installations to identify vulnerable plugin versions

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for all WordPress plugin activities, especially IdeaPush operations
• Set up alerts for failed authentication attempts followed by successful plugin access
• Monitor for bulk or automated requests targeting IdeaPush endpoints
• Implement integrity monitoring for plugin files and database tables associated with IdeaPush

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-24607

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the IdeaPush plugin to a version newer than 8.71 that includes the authorization fix
• If an update is not immediately available, consider temporarily deactivating the IdeaPush plugin
• Review WordPress user accounts and access logs for signs of unauthorized activity
• Implement additional access controls at the server or WAF level to restrict plugin endpoint access

Patch Information

The vulnerability affects IdeaPush versions through 8.71. Site administrators should check the WordPress plugin repository or the vendor's official channels for updated versions that address this broken access control vulnerability. Review the Patchstack vulnerability database entry for the latest patch status and remediation guidance.

Workarounds

• Restrict access to the WordPress admin area and plugin endpoints via IP allowlisting
• Implement a Web Application Firewall with rules to block unauthorized access to plugin functions
• Temporarily disable the IdeaPush plugin if it is not critical to site operations until a patch is applied
• Use WordPress security plugins to add additional authorization layers to plugin functionality

# Example: Restrict access to IdeaPush plugin via .htaccess
# Add to wp-content/plugins/ideapush/.htaccess
<IfModule mod_authz_core.c>
    Require ip 192.168.1.0/24
    Require ip 10.0.0.0/8
</IfModule>

# Alternative: Block direct access to plugin PHP files
<Files "*.php">
    <IfModule mod_authz_core.c>
        Require all denied
    </IfModule>
</Files>