CVE-2025-24747 Overview
CVE-2025-24747 is a Missing Authorization vulnerability [CWE-862] affecting the favethemes Houzez WordPress theme. The flaw impacts all versions of Houzez up to and including 3.4.0. Attackers can exploit this weakness over the network without authentication or user interaction. The vulnerability allows unauthorized actors to access functionality that should be restricted by proper access control checks. Houzez is a commercial real estate WordPress theme widely deployed by property listing sites and real estate agencies.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated network attackers can bypass authorization checks in the Houzez theme, resulting in limited integrity impact against affected WordPress installations.
Affected Products
- favethemes Houzez WordPress theme versions through 3.4.0
- WordPress sites running Houzez as the active theme
- Real estate and property listing platforms built on Houzez
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-01-27 - CVE-2025-24747 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-24747
Vulnerability Analysis
The Houzez theme fails to enforce proper authorization checks on one or more endpoints or actions. This category of flaw, classified as [CWE-862] Missing Authorization, occurs when application code performs an action without verifying that the requesting user holds the necessary permissions. Attackers can invoke the affected functionality by issuing crafted HTTP requests directly to the WordPress site.
The issue affects the confidentiality, integrity, or availability characteristics differently depending on the exposed action. In this case, the impact is limited to integrity, meaning attackers can modify data or trigger actions that alter application state. No privileges and no user interaction are required to exploit the flaw.
Root Cause
The root cause is the absence of capability or nonce checks on one or more theme-provided handlers. WordPress themes and plugins are expected to gate privileged actions using current_user_can() checks and wp_verify_nonce() validation. When these checks are omitted or improperly implemented, any visitor can invoke restricted functionality.
Attack Vector
Attackers reach the vulnerable code path over the network by sending HTTP requests to the WordPress site hosting the Houzez theme. Because the flaw requires no authentication, an attacker only needs to identify a target running a vulnerable Houzez version. Refer to the Patchstack Houzez Theme Vulnerability advisory for endpoint-specific technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-24747
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected POST or GET requests to Houzez theme AJAX handlers under /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php from unauthenticated sources
- Modifications to WordPress content, options, or user metadata that cannot be attributed to a logged-in administrator
- HTTP requests referencing Houzez-specific action parameters from IP addresses with no prior authenticated session
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web server access logs for anomalous request patterns to Houzez theme endpoints, particularly repeated invocations without associated login events
- Deploy WordPress security plugins that alert on unauthenticated privileged actions and monitor theme file activity
- Correlate WordPress audit logs with web application firewall telemetry to identify authorization bypass attempts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable WordPress activity logging to record all state-changing actions with associated user context
- Monitor for unauthorized changes to posts, user accounts, and theme options originating from unauthenticated requests
- Alert on outbound requests from the WordPress host that follow suspicious inbound theme endpoint traffic
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-24747
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress instances running the Houzez theme and confirm the installed version
- Update Houzez to a version later than 3.4.0 that includes the authorization fix from favethemes
- Restrict administrative and AJAX endpoints behind a web application firewall until patching is complete
- Review WordPress user accounts and content for unauthorized modifications
Patch Information
favethemes has addressed the vulnerability in Houzez versions released after 3.4.0. Site administrators should apply the vendor update through the WordPress dashboard or by manually replacing theme files. Consult the Patchstack Houzez Theme Vulnerability advisory for the fixed version.
Workarounds
- Block access to Houzez-specific AJAX actions at the web application firewall for unauthenticated clients
- Enforce authentication requirements on admin-ajax.php handlers using hardening plugins where feasible
- Temporarily disable the Houzez theme on non-production sites until the patch is applied
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
