CVE-2025-66142 Overview
CVE-2025-66142 is a Missing Authorization vulnerability affecting the Comparimager for Elementor WordPress plugin developed by merkulove. This broken access control flaw allows attackers to exploit incorrectly configured access control security levels, potentially enabling unauthorized actions within WordPress installations using this plugin.
The vulnerability stems from CWE-862 (Missing Authorization), where the plugin fails to properly verify user permissions before allowing access to sensitive functionality. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in WordPress environments where plugins often handle critical site operations.
Critical Impact
Unauthorized users may be able to bypass access control mechanisms and perform actions that should be restricted to authenticated or privileged users.
Affected Products
- Comparimager for Elementor plugin version 1.0.1 and earlier
- WordPress installations using the affected plugin versions
- Elementor page builder environments with Comparimager integration
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-01-22 - CVE CVE-2025-66142 published to NVD
- 2026-01-22 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-66142
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability represents a broken access control issue in the Comparimager for Elementor WordPress plugin. The plugin fails to implement proper authorization checks, allowing users to bypass security controls that should restrict access to certain functionality.
Missing Authorization vulnerabilities occur when an application does not verify whether a user has permission to perform a specific action. In the context of WordPress plugins, this typically means that AJAX handlers, REST API endpoints, or administrative functions lack proper capability checks using WordPress's built-in permission system (such as current_user_can() checks).
The impact of this vulnerability depends on what functionality is exposed through the misconfigured access controls. Attackers could potentially modify plugin settings, access restricted content, or perform administrative actions without proper authentication or authorization.
Root Cause
The root cause of CVE-2025-66142 is the absence of proper authorization checks within the Comparimager for Elementor plugin. WordPress plugins should implement capability checks before executing sensitive operations, but this plugin fails to verify user permissions before allowing access to protected functionality.
According to the CWE-862 classification, this occurs when software does not perform an authorization check when an actor attempts to access a resource or perform an action. The plugin likely exposes functionality through AJAX handlers or other endpoints without verifying that the requesting user has appropriate privileges.
Attack Vector
The attack vector for this vulnerability involves exploiting the missing authorization controls to access functionality that should be restricted. An attacker could potentially:
- Send crafted requests to plugin endpoints that lack authorization checks
- Access administrative or privileged functionality without proper authentication
- Modify plugin behavior or settings without authorization
- Potentially chain this vulnerability with other issues to escalate impact
Since this is a WordPress plugin vulnerability, the attack would typically be conducted over HTTP/HTTPS through the WordPress installation's web interface or REST API endpoints.
For technical details about this vulnerability, refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-66142
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual HTTP requests to WordPress AJAX endpoints (admin-ajax.php) with Comparimager-related actions from unauthenticated users
- Unexpected modifications to plugin settings or configurations
- Web server logs showing access to plugin-specific endpoints from unauthorized IP addresses
- Changes to site content or settings that cannot be attributed to legitimate administrators
Detection Strategies
- Monitor WordPress AJAX request logs for suspicious activity targeting the comparimager-elementor plugin
- Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block unauthorized access attempts to plugin endpoints
- Review WordPress user activity logs for actions performed without corresponding admin sessions
- Conduct regular security audits of installed plugins using vulnerability scanning tools
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable comprehensive logging for WordPress admin actions and AJAX requests
- Configure alerts for unauthorized access attempts to administrative functionality
- Regularly review access logs for anomalous patterns targeting installed plugins
- Implement integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized changes to plugin files or database entries
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-66142
Immediate Actions Required
- Review your WordPress installation for the presence of Comparimager for Elementor plugin version 1.0.1 or earlier
- Check plugin vendor and Patchstack for updated versions that address this vulnerability
- Consider temporarily disabling the plugin if a patched version is not available
- Review server logs for any signs of exploitation attempts
- Implement Web Application Firewall rules to protect vulnerable endpoints
Patch Information
As of the publication date, organizations should monitor the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for updates regarding patches and remediation guidance. Contact the plugin developer (merkulove) for information about security updates addressing this vulnerability.
Workarounds
- Temporarily deactivate and remove the Comparimager for Elementor plugin until a patched version is available
- Implement WordPress security plugins that provide additional access control monitoring
- Configure WAF rules to restrict access to the plugin's AJAX handlers and endpoints
- Limit WordPress administrative access to trusted IP addresses only
- Enable two-factor authentication for all WordPress administrator accounts
# WordPress CLI commands to check and disable the vulnerable plugin
# Check if plugin is installed and its version
wp plugin list --name=comparimager-elementor --format=table
# Temporarily deactivate the vulnerable plugin
wp plugin deactivate comparimager-elementor
# Optional: Remove the plugin entirely if not critical to site functionality
wp plugin delete comparimager-elementor
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
