CVE-2025-7045: Cloud SAML SSO Auth Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2025-7045 Overview

CVE-2025-7045 affects the Cloud SAML SSO plugin for WordPress in all versions up to and including 1.0.19. The vulnerability stems from a missing capability check on the delete_config action of the csso_handle_actions() function. Unauthenticated attackers can send crafted requests to delete any configured Identity Provider (IdP), which breaks the Single Sign-On (SSO) authentication flow and produces a denial-of-service condition for federated users. The flaw is classified as Missing Authentication for Critical Function [CWE-306].

Critical Impact
Unauthenticated remote attackers can delete SAML Identity Provider configurations, disabling SSO authentication for all users of an affected WordPress site.

Affected Products

Cloud SAML SSO plugin for WordPress, versions up to and including 1.0.19
WordPress sites relying on the plugin for SAML-based federated authentication
Downstream Identity Provider integrations configured through the plugin

Discovery Timeline

2025-09-06 - CVE-2025-7045 published to NVD
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-7045

Vulnerability Analysis

The Cloud SAML SSO plugin exposes an action handler, csso_handle_actions(), that routes administrative requests based on an action parameter. The delete_config branch removes stored Identity Provider configuration entries used by the plugin to authenticate WordPress users against an external SAML IdP. The handler executes the deletion without verifying that the caller holds an appropriate WordPress capability such as manage_options and without validating a nonce. Any anonymous HTTP client that can reach the site can therefore trigger the destructive action. The classification under [CWE-306] reflects the absence of authentication for a critical administrative function.

Root Cause

The root cause is a missing capability check inside the delete_config branch of csso_handle_actions() in CSSO_ActionHandler.php. The plugin registers the handler on a public request hook and dispatches actions before validating the caller's identity or privileges. Because no current_user_can() guard or nonce verification precedes the deletion logic, the operation runs with the full authority of the plugin regardless of who initiates the request.

Attack Vector

An attacker sends an unauthenticated HTTP request to the vulnerable WordPress endpoint with the action parameter set to delete_config and the target IdP identifier. The handler removes the configuration record from the plugin's storage. Subsequent SAML authentication attempts fail because the plugin can no longer locate the IdP metadata, redirect users, or validate assertions. Repeated exploitation across every stored IdP produces a persistent denial-of-service against SSO users. See the WordPress Action Handler Code and the Wordfence Vulnerability Report for the source-level details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-7045

Indicators of Compromise

HTTP requests to the WordPress site containing the delete_config action parameter targeting the Cloud SAML SSO plugin.
Unexpected removal of SAML IdP entries from the plugin's configuration store or database options table.
Sudden spike in failed SSO logins and users reporting broken redirects to the identity provider.
Requests to plugin action endpoints originating from unauthenticated sessions or unfamiliar source IPs.

Detection Strategies

Review WordPress access logs for requests referencing csso_handle_actions or the delete_config action, especially without an authenticated session cookie.
Compare current plugin configuration against a known-good backup to detect missing IdP records.
Correlate authentication failure telemetry from the SAML IdP with WordPress request logs to identify the deletion event.

Monitoring Recommendations

Enable WordPress audit logging for changes to plugin options and configuration tables.
Forward web server and application logs to a centralized SIEM and alert on anonymous access to plugin administrative actions.
Track SSO success and failure rates as a service-level indicator to detect availability regressions caused by IdP deletion.

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-7045

Immediate Actions Required

Update the Cloud SAML SSO plugin to a version later than 1.0.19 once a fixed release is published by the vendor.
Back up current IdP configuration values so they can be restored quickly if deletion occurs.
Restrict network access to the WordPress admin surface and plugin action endpoints using a web application firewall or reverse proxy allow-list.

Patch Information

At the time of publication, remediation guidance is available through the Wordfence Vulnerability Report and the plugin's WordPress Plugin Developer Info page. Administrators should upgrade to the first plugin release that introduces a capability check and nonce verification on the delete_config action in CSSO_ActionHandler.php.

Workarounds

Deactivate the Cloud SAML SSO plugin until a patched version is installed and validated.
Deploy WAF rules that block unauthenticated requests containing the delete_config action parameter directed at the plugin.
Temporarily disable public exposure of the plugin's action endpoints by restricting them to authenticated administrator IP ranges.

bash

# Example WAF rule concept blocking unauthenticated delete_config requests
# Adjust to your WAF syntax (ModSecurity shown for illustration)
SecRule ARGS:action "@streq delete_config" \
  "id:1007045,phase:2,deny,status:403,\
   msg:'Block CVE-2025-7045 Cloud SAML SSO delete_config',\
   chain"
  SecRule &REQUEST_COOKIES:wordpress_logged_in "@eq 0"