CVE-2025-53211 Overview
CVE-2025-53211 is an information disclosure vulnerability in the Roland Beaussant Audio Editor & Recorder WordPress plugin (audio-editor-recorder). The flaw affects all versions up to and including 2.2.3. It is classified under [CWE-497]: Exposure of Sensitive System Information to an Unauthorized Control Sphere. An unauthenticated remote attacker can retrieve embedded sensitive data from a vulnerable WordPress installation over the network without user interaction.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can retrieve embedded sensitive system information from WordPress sites running the plugin, aiding reconnaissance and follow-on attacks.
Affected Products
- Roland Beaussant Audio Editor & Recorder (audio-editor-recorder) WordPress plugin
- All versions from initial release through 2.2.3
- WordPress sites with the plugin installed and activated
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-06-27 - CVE CVE-2025-53211 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-53211
Vulnerability Analysis
The Audio Editor & Recorder plugin exposes sensitive system information to unauthorized parties. The issue falls under [CWE-497], which covers cases where an application makes internal state, configuration, or environment data accessible to actors outside the intended trust boundary. The exposed data can include plugin internals, path information, or other embedded values not intended for public consumption. An attacker only needs network access to the WordPress site. No authentication or user interaction is required to trigger the disclosure. The confidentiality impact is limited to low-sensitivity data, and integrity and availability are unaffected. The EPSS score is 0.306% (percentile 22.674), indicating a low probability of exploitation in the near term.
Root Cause
The plugin fails to enforce proper access control on endpoints or resources that return internal data. Sensitive values embedded within the plugin — such as configuration fragments, debug output, or file references — are returned to callers without verifying the requester's authorization. This design flaw allows any network client to retrieve information reserved for administrators or the plugin's internal logic.
Attack Vector
An attacker sends unauthenticated HTTP requests to the WordPress site hosting the vulnerable plugin. The response contains embedded sensitive data useful for reconnaissance, mapping the target's stack, or preparing follow-on attacks against WordPress or adjacent services. Because no privileges or user interaction are required, mass scanning of internet-facing WordPress sites is feasible.
For technical specifics, see the Patchstack Vulnerability Disclosure.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-53211
Indicators of Compromise
- Unauthenticated HTTP requests to plugin endpoints under /wp-content/plugins/audio-editor-recorder/ or associated AJAX/REST routes
- Repeated external requests originating from scanning infrastructure targeting WordPress plugin paths
- HTTP responses returning plugin configuration or file path data to unauthenticated clients
Detection Strategies
- Inventory WordPress installations to identify sites running audio-editor-recorder version 2.2.3 or earlier
- Review web server access logs for anomalous request patterns against plugin endpoints
- Alert on responses that leak internal file paths, plugin state, or configuration fragments
Monitoring Recommendations
- Ingest WordPress and web server logs into a centralized logging or SIEM platform for correlation
- Monitor egress of unusually large or verbose responses from plugin endpoints
- Track plugin version and update status across managed WordPress fleets
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-53211
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress sites with the Audio Editor & Recorder plugin installed
- Update the plugin to a version later than 2.2.3 once released, or deactivate and remove it if no patched version is available
- Restrict access to WordPress admin and plugin endpoints via web application firewall rules where feasible
Patch Information
At the time of publication, the vendor advisory tracked on Patchstack indicates the vulnerability affects all versions through 2.2.3. Administrators should consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Disclosure for the latest patch status and apply the fixed release as soon as it becomes available.
Workarounds
- Deactivate and uninstall the plugin until a patched version is confirmed available
- Block external access to plugin endpoints using web server rules or a WAF
- Limit the exposure of the WordPress admin surface to trusted IP ranges where operationally acceptable
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
