CVE-2025-12023 identifies a missing authorization vulnerability (CWE-862) in the ELEX WordPress HelpDesk & Customer Ticketing System plugin, versions up to and including 3.3.1. The flaw exists in the eh_crm_restore_data() function, which lacks a proper capability check to verify if the authenticated user has sufficient privileges to restore ticket data. As a result, any authenticated user with at least Subscriber-level access can invoke this function to restore tickets, bypassing intended access controls. This vulnerability does not require user interaction and can be exploited remotely via network access to the WordPress site. The impact is limited to unauthorized modification of ticket data, affecting data integrity but not confidentiality or availability. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.3, with vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N, indicating network attack vector, low attack complexity, low privileges required, no user interaction, unchanged scope, no confidentiality or availability impact, and limited integrity impact. No patches or official fixes have been published yet, and no active exploitation has been reported. The vulnerability is particularly relevant for organizations relying on this plugin for customer support and ticket management within WordPress environments.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily to the integrity of customer support ticket data managed via the ELEX WordPress HelpDesk plugin. Unauthorized restoration of tickets could lead to confusion, data manipulation, or disruption of support workflows, potentially undermining customer trust and operational efficiency. While it does not expose sensitive data or cause service outages, the ability for low-privileged users to modify ticket records could facilitate social engineering or fraud attempts by altering ticket histories or statuses. Organizations in sectors with high customer interaction, such as e-commerce, telecommunications, and public services, may face reputational damage or compliance challenges if ticket data integrity is compromised. The vulnerability’s exploitation requires authenticated access, so the risk is heightened in environments with weak user access controls or where subscriber accounts are easily obtained or compromised. Given the widespread use of WordPress and customer support plugins in Europe, the threat is relevant but not critical, emphasizing the need for access management and monitoring.

1. Immediately audit and restrict user roles and permissions within WordPress, ensuring that Subscriber-level accounts have minimal privileges and are monitored closely. 2. Implement strict access control policies for the ELEX HelpDesk plugin, limiting ticket restoration capabilities to trusted administrator roles only. 3. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious requests targeting the eh_crm_restore_data() function or related endpoints. 4. Monitor logs for unusual ticket restoration activities, especially from accounts with Subscriber or low-level privileges. 5. If possible, temporarily disable or remove the ELEX HelpDesk plugin until an official patch is released. 6. Stay updated with vendor announcements and apply patches promptly once available. 7. Consider implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all WordPress user accounts to reduce the risk of account compromise. 8. Conduct regular security awareness training for administrators and users to recognize and report suspicious activities related to ticket management.