CVE-2025-69190: Listihub Authorization Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2025-69190 Overview

CVE-2025-69190 is a Missing Authorization vulnerability (CWE-862) discovered in the e-plugins Listihub WordPress theme. This broken access control vulnerability allows attackers to exploit incorrectly configured access control security levels, potentially gaining unauthorized access to protected functionality or data within WordPress sites using the affected theme.

Critical Impact

Attackers can bypass authorization checks to access restricted functionality or data, potentially leading to unauthorized modifications, data exposure, or privilege escalation on affected WordPress installations.

Affected Products

• Listihub WordPress Theme version 1.0.6 and earlier
• WordPress installations using the Listihub theme

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-01-22 - CVE CVE-2025-69190 published to NVD
• 2026-01-22 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-69190

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from a Missing Authorization flaw (CWE-862) in the Listihub WordPress theme developed by e-plugins. The theme fails to properly implement authorization checks on certain functionality, allowing unauthenticated or low-privileged users to access features that should require elevated permissions.

Broken access control vulnerabilities in WordPress themes typically occur when developers fail to implement proper capability checks using WordPress's permission system (such as current_user_can()) before executing sensitive operations. Without these checks, attackers can directly invoke restricted functionality by crafting appropriate requests.

Root Cause

The root cause is the absence of proper authorization verification in the Listihub theme's code paths. When processing certain requests, the theme does not validate whether the requesting user has the necessary permissions to perform the requested action, creating a security gap that attackers can exploit.

Attack Vector

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted requests to the WordPress site running the vulnerable Listihub theme. Since authorization checks are missing, the attacker can access functionality intended only for authenticated administrators or privileged users. This could be achieved through:

• Direct HTTP requests to vulnerable endpoints
• Manipulating form submissions or AJAX calls
• Accessing administrative functions without proper authentication

The vulnerability requires network access to the target WordPress installation but does not necessarily require authentication, depending on which specific functionality lacks proper authorization controls.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-69190

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected modifications to WordPress site content or settings
• Unusual access patterns to theme-specific endpoints in web server logs
• Unauthorized user accounts or privilege changes
• Evidence of data access or export by non-administrative users

Detection Strategies

• Review web server access logs for suspicious requests targeting Listihub theme endpoints
• Monitor WordPress audit logs for unauthorized configuration changes
• Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect access control bypass attempts
• Conduct periodic reviews of user permissions and recent administrative actions

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive logging for WordPress administrative actions
• Configure alerts for unauthorized access attempts to restricted functionality
• Regularly audit user accounts and their associated permissions
• Monitor file integrity of theme files to detect any unauthorized modifications

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-69190

Immediate Actions Required

• Audit your WordPress installation to determine if the Listihub theme is in use
• Check the currently installed version of the Listihub theme (affected: version 1.0.6 and earlier)
• Consider disabling or replacing the Listihub theme until a patched version is available
• Implement additional access controls at the web server or WAF level

Patch Information

Users should monitor the Patchstack vulnerability database and the official e-plugins channels for security updates addressing this vulnerability. Update to a patched version of the Listihub theme as soon as one becomes available.

Workarounds

• Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to restrict access to sensitive theme endpoints
• Use WordPress security plugins to add additional authorization layers
• Restrict access to the WordPress admin area by IP address where feasible
• Consider switching to an alternative theme that has been audited for security issues
• Apply the principle of least privilege to all WordPress user accounts

# Example: Restrict access to WordPress admin via .htaccess
# Add to your WordPress root .htaccess file
<Files wp-login.php>
    Order Deny,Allow
    Deny from all
    Allow from YOUR_TRUSTED_IP
</Files>