CVE-2025-62139 Overview
CVE-2025-62139 is a sensitive information disclosure vulnerability in the Terms Descriptions WordPress plugin developed by Vladimir Statsenko. The flaw falls under [CWE-201], Insertion of Sensitive Information Into Sent Data. It affects all versions of the plugin from initial release through 3.4.10.
An unauthenticated attacker can retrieve embedded sensitive data through network-accessible endpoints. The vulnerability requires no privileges or user interaction, which broadens its exposure surface across public WordPress sites. Exploitation impacts confidentiality but does not modify data or disrupt availability.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated remote attackers can retrieve embedded sensitive data from affected WordPress sites running Terms Descriptions plugin versions 3.4.10 and earlier.
Affected Products
- Vladimir Statsenko Terms Descriptions plugin for WordPress
- Versions from initial release through 3.4.10
- WordPress sites using the terms-descriptions plugin slug
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-12-31 - CVE-2025-62139 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-62139
Vulnerability Analysis
The Terms Descriptions plugin extends WordPress taxonomy terms with rich descriptions. According to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report, the plugin embeds sensitive information into data sent to unauthorized recipients. This category of flaw is tracked as [CWE-201].
The vulnerability is reachable over the network without authentication or user interaction. An attacker sends crafted requests to plugin-exposed endpoints and receives content that should have been restricted. Only confidentiality is affected — integrity and availability remain intact.
The EPSS probability score sits at 0.192%, indicating low observed exploitation likelihood at this time. However, unauthenticated information disclosure on internet-facing WordPress sites remains a practical reconnaissance vector.
Root Cause
The plugin includes sensitive data in responses without applying appropriate authorization checks or data filtering. The affected code paths return content that should be constrained to authenticated or privileged sessions. Because the exposure occurs in server responses, standard client-side controls do not mitigate it.
Attack Vector
An attacker issues HTTP requests to a WordPress instance running the vulnerable plugin. The plugin returns responses containing embedded sensitive fields. No session, cookie, or user interaction is required. Attackers can automate the request pattern against WordPress sites identified by fingerprinting the terms-descriptions plugin.
No public proof-of-concept exploit code has been published for this issue. Refer to the Patchstack advisory for vendor-verified technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-62139
Indicators of Compromise
- Anomalous unauthenticated HTTP GET requests targeting terms-descriptions plugin endpoints or taxonomy term pages
- Elevated response sizes from taxonomy-related URLs suggesting embedded sensitive fields
- Repeated automated scanning from single source IPs against /wp-content/plugins/terms-descriptions/ paths
Detection Strategies
- Inventory WordPress installations and identify sites where the terms-descriptions plugin is installed at version <= 3.4.10
- Review web server access logs for unauthenticated requests to plugin-related endpoints returning non-empty payloads
- Deploy web application firewall rules to flag unauthenticated access to taxonomy term endpoints that return unusually large responses
Monitoring Recommendations
- Ingest WordPress access and error logs into a centralized SIEM or data lake for query-based hunting
- Alert on user-agent patterns associated with WordPress plugin enumeration tools such as wpscan
- Track outbound data volume from WordPress hosts to detect bulk enumeration of taxonomy content
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-62139
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress sites running the Terms Descriptions plugin at version 3.4.10 or earlier
- Update the plugin to a fixed release once the vendor publishes one; monitor the Patchstack advisory for patch availability
- If no patched version is available, deactivate and remove the plugin until a fix is released
Patch Information
At the time of NVD publication, the advisory identifies affected versions from n/a through <= 3.4.10. Site operators should consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for current patch status and upgrade instructions.
Workarounds
- Disable the Terms Descriptions plugin until a patched release is published by the vendor
- Restrict access to WordPress taxonomy endpoints using a web application firewall or reverse proxy authorization rules
- Apply Patchstack virtual patching if subscribed, which provides mitigation before an official plugin update ships
- Audit any taxonomy content that references credentials, tokens, or personally identifiable information and remove sensitive fields from term descriptions
# Example: locate and deactivate the plugin via WP-CLI
wp plugin list --name=terms-descriptions --fields=name,status,version
wp plugin deactivate terms-descriptions
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
