CVE-2025-24689 Overview
CVE-2025-24689 is a sensitive information disclosure vulnerability in the Javier Carazo Import and export users and customers WordPress plugin (import-users-from-csv-with-meta). The flaw affects all versions up to and including 1.27.12. The plugin inserts sensitive information into an externally accessible file or directory, allowing unauthenticated attackers to retrieve embedded sensitive data over the network. The issue is tracked under CWE-538: Insertion of Sensitive Information into Externally-Accessible File or Directory.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated remote attackers can retrieve sensitive user data written to files reachable from the web, exposing account information handled by the plugin.
Affected Products
- Javier Carazo Import and export users and customers plugin for WordPress
- Plugin slug: import-users-from-csv-with-meta
- All versions from n/a through <= 1.27.12
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-01-27 - CVE-2025-24689 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-24689
Vulnerability Analysis
The plugin writes sensitive user and customer data to a file or directory that is reachable from outside the trusted context. Because the destination is externally accessible, any actor with knowledge of the file location can read the contents over HTTP. The vulnerability requires no authentication and no user interaction. Exploitation complexity is elevated because the attacker must locate or predict the file path used by the plugin. The impact is confined to confidentiality, with no direct effect on integrity or availability of the WordPress site.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper handling of storage location and access control for files produced by the import and export workflows. Exported CSV artifacts or intermediate files containing user records are placed in a directory served by the web server without adequate restrictions such as randomized filenames, access controls, or storage outside the web root. This design pattern is characterized by CWE-538, where sensitive data is placed in a location that external parties can reach.
Attack Vector
An unauthenticated attacker sends HTTP requests to the WordPress site targeting paths used by the plugin for exported or staged data. When the attacker successfully identifies a valid file path, the server returns the contents of the file, exposing user records that may include email addresses, usernames, metadata, and other CSV fields written during import or export operations. See the Patchstack CVE Vulnerability Report for additional context.
No verified proof-of-concept code is publicly available. The vulnerability mechanism is described in prose because no realCodeExamples were provided.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-24689
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected HTTP GET requests to paths under wp-content/uploads/ or plugin-owned directories targeting .csv files.
- Access log entries showing external clients successfully downloading files that contain user or customer records.
- Presence of exported CSV files with predictable names in web-accessible directories.
Detection Strategies
- Audit the WordPress installation for the import-users-from-csv-with-meta plugin and confirm the installed version is <= 1.27.12.
- Review web server access logs for anonymous requests retrieving files from plugin directories or the uploads folder.
- Scan public directories for CSV artifacts containing personally identifiable information (PII) that should not be web-accessible.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Alert on 200-status responses to unauthenticated requests for .csv files under WordPress upload paths.
- Track file creation events in web-served directories and correlate with plugin activity.
- Monitor for enumeration patterns such as directory brute-forcing against plugin-owned paths.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-24689
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade the import-users-from-csv-with-meta plugin to a version later than 1.27.12 once the vendor releases a fixed release.
- Remove any historical export files from web-accessible directories and rotate credentials for exposed user accounts.
- Restrict access to the plugin's storage directory using web server rules until a patched version is available.
Patch Information
At the time of NVD publication, the advisory lists affected versions as n/a through <= 1.27.12. Administrators should consult the Patchstack advisory and the WordPress plugin repository for the latest fixed version.
Workarounds
- Deny direct HTTP access to CSV files in the plugin's output directory using .htaccess, Nginx location rules, or a web application firewall.
- Relocate export artifacts to a directory outside the web root and serve them only through authenticated download handlers.
- Disable or uninstall the plugin if it is not actively used for user import and export tasks.
# Configuration example: block CSV downloads from uploads directory (Apache .htaccess)
<FilesMatch "\.csv$">
Require all denied
</FilesMatch>
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
