Overview
CVE-2025-12391 is a medium severity vulnerability affecting the Restrictions for BuddyPress plugin for WordPress. This flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to manipulate user tracking preferences, specifically opting users in or out of tracking, without proper authorization. The vulnerability stems from a missing capability check on the handle_optin_optout() function. This issue impacts all versions of the plugin up to and including version 1.5.2.
Technical Details
The vulnerability resides in the handle_optin_optout() function within the Restrictions for BuddyPress plugin. Due to the absence of a capability check, the function can be accessed and executed by unauthenticated users. Attackers can exploit this by sending malicious requests to modify the tracking opt-in/opt-out status of other users. This bypasses intended access controls and compromises user privacy and data integrity. The endpoint that triggers this is not properly protected against unauthorized access.
CVSS Analysis
The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) score for CVE-2025-12391 is 5.3, indicating a MEDIUM severity. The CVSS vector reflects the following characteristics:
- Attack Vector (AV): Network (N)
- Attack Complexity (AC): Low (L)
- Privileges Required (PR): None (N)
- User Interaction (UI): None (N)
- Scope (S): Unchanged (U)
- Confidentiality Impact (C): None (N)
- Integrity Impact (I): Low (L)
- Availability Impact (A): None (N)
This score reflects that the vulnerability is remotely exploitable, requires no special user interaction, and can lead to unauthorized modification of data (specifically, tracking preferences), although it does not directly compromise confidentiality or availability.
Possible Impact
Successful exploitation of CVE-2025-12391 can have several negative consequences:
- Compromised User Privacy: Attackers can manipulate user tracking settings without their consent, potentially exposing their data to unwanted tracking and analysis.
- Data Integrity Issues: Altering tracking preferences can lead to inaccurate data analysis and reporting, affecting business decisions and user understanding.
- Regulatory Compliance Issues: Unauthorized tracking manipulation may violate privacy regulations, leading to potential fines and legal repercussions.
- Reputation Damage: Discovery of unauthorized tracking manipulation can damage the reputation of the website and the BuddyPress plugin.
Mitigation and Patch Steps
The primary mitigation step is to update the Restrictions for BuddyPress plugin to the latest version. Versions newer than 1.5.2 should include a patch that addresses the missing capability check on the handle_optin_optout() function. If an update is not yet available, consider temporarily disabling the plugin until a patched version is released. Additionally, review server access logs for any suspicious activity related to the plugin endpoints.
References
BuddyPress Restrictions Plugin Page
Wordfence Threat Intelligence Report
