CVE-2025-52813 Overview
CVE-2025-52813 is a missing authorization vulnerability [CWE-862] in the pietro MobiLoud WordPress plugin. The flaw affects all versions from initial release through 4.6.5. Attackers with low-privilege authenticated access can exploit incorrectly configured access control checks to perform actions reserved for higher-privileged users.
The vulnerability is network-exploitable and requires no user interaction. Successful exploitation impacts the integrity and availability of the WordPress installation running the affected plugin.
Critical Impact
An authenticated attacker with low privileges can bypass access control checks in MobiLoud to modify plugin state and disrupt site functionality, compromising integrity and availability.
Affected Products
- pietro MobiLoud Mobile App Plugin for WordPress
- All versions from n/a through 4.6.5
- WordPress sites running the vulnerable MobiLoud plugin
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-07-04 - CVE-2025-52813 published to NVD
- 2026-04-28 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-52813
Vulnerability Analysis
The MobiLoud plugin exposes plugin functionality through endpoints that fail to enforce proper capability checks. The plugin relies on incorrectly configured access control security levels, permitting authenticated users to invoke privileged operations without the expected authorization checks.
Missing authorization vulnerabilities of this class typically appear when a plugin registers AJAX handlers, REST routes, or admin-post actions and verifies only that a user is logged in. Without a current_user_can() capability check, the handler runs for any authenticated session regardless of role.
An attacker exploiting this flaw can alter plugin configuration or trigger destructive operations that affect the integrity of the WordPress site and the availability of plugin-driven functionality. The attack scales to any site running MobiLoud through version 4.6.5.
Root Cause
The root cause is a missing authorization check [CWE-862] within MobiLoud request handlers. The plugin trusts the authenticated session without validating that the user holds the capability required for the requested operation. Access control security levels are misconfigured at the handler boundary.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires network access to the target WordPress site and a valid low-privilege account such as a subscriber. The attacker sends crafted HTTP requests to MobiLoud endpoints, invoking actions intended for administrators. No user interaction or social engineering is needed.
For technical details, refer to the Patchstack advisory for the MobiLoud plugin.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-52813
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected POST requests to MobiLoud plugin endpoints under /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php or plugin REST routes from low-privilege user sessions
- Changes to MobiLoud plugin settings or options without corresponding administrator activity in audit logs
- Authenticated requests originating from subscriber or contributor accounts targeting plugin actions normally restricted to administrators
Detection Strategies
- Inventory WordPress installations and identify any using the MobiLoud Mobile App Plugin at version 4.6.5 or earlier
- Review web server access logs for repeated requests to MobiLoud handlers correlated with non-admin user IDs
- Compare the WordPress wp_options table against known-good baselines to identify unauthorized plugin configuration changes
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable WordPress activity logging to capture user role, action, and source IP for every plugin-related request
- Alert on authenticated requests to plugin AJAX or REST endpoints when the requesting account lacks an administrator role
- Monitor for anomalous changes to MobiLoud settings and for plugin actions performed outside expected administrative workflows
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-52813
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the MobiLoud plugin to a version newer than 4.6.5 once the vendor publishes a fixed release
- Audit all WordPress user accounts and remove or downgrade any unnecessary low-privilege users that could be leveraged for exploitation
- Rotate credentials for any accounts that may have been compromised and review recent plugin configuration changes
Patch Information
Monitor the Patchstack advisory and the official MobiLoud plugin page for a patched release above version 4.6.5. Apply the update across all affected WordPress sites as soon as it becomes available.
Workarounds
- Deactivate the MobiLoud plugin until a patched version is installed if it is not essential to site operations
- Restrict access to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php and plugin REST endpoints using a web application firewall rule that filters non-administrator sessions
- Enforce least-privilege account policies and disable open user registration to limit the pool of accounts that can authenticate against the site
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
