CVE-2023-25445 is a missing authorization vulnerability classified under CWE-862 affecting HappyFiles Pro, a WordPress plugin designed to improve media library management. The vulnerability arises from improperly configured access control mechanisms, allowing users with limited privileges (PR:L) to perform actions beyond their authorization scope. Specifically, the flaw enables an attacker to bypass intended security checks and execute operations that can alter data integrity or availability without requiring user interaction (UI:N). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.4, reflecting a medium severity level, with an attack vector of network (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), and no confidentiality impact (C:N), but with integrity (I:L) and availability (A:L) impacts. The vulnerability affects all versions of HappyFiles Pro up to 1.8.1, with no patches currently available and no known exploits in the wild. The issue was reserved in early 2023 and published in late 2025, indicating a delayed disclosure. This vulnerability could be exploited by authenticated users with limited privileges to perform unauthorized modifications or disruptions within the WordPress media management context, potentially impacting website stability and content integrity.

For European organizations, this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized modifications or disruptions in media management on WordPress sites using HappyFiles Pro, potentially affecting website integrity and availability. This could result in defacement, loss of media assets, or denial of service conditions impacting user experience and business operations. Organizations relying heavily on WordPress for content management, especially those with multiple user roles and contributors, face increased risk as attackers with limited access could escalate their privileges or cause operational disruptions. The absence of confidentiality impact reduces the risk of data leakage, but integrity and availability impacts can still cause reputational damage and operational downtime. Given the widespread use of WordPress and its plugins across Europe, especially in sectors like media, e-commerce, and public services, the vulnerability could have broad implications if exploited.

1. Immediately review and tighten user role permissions within WordPress to ensure that only trusted users have access to HappyFiles Pro features. 2. Implement strict access control policies and audit user activities related to media management to detect unauthorized actions early. 3. Monitor WordPress plugin updates closely and apply patches for HappyFiles Pro as soon as they become available. 4. Consider temporarily disabling or restricting the use of HappyFiles Pro for users with limited privileges until a fix is released. 5. Employ web application firewalls (WAF) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious requests targeting HappyFiles Pro endpoints. 6. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration tests focusing on WordPress plugins and user privilege escalation paths. 7. Educate site administrators and content managers about the risks of privilege misuse and the importance of least privilege principles.