CVE-2025-12168 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-862 (Missing Authorization) found in the Phrase TMS Integration for WordPress plugin, which integrates translation management services into WordPress sites. The flaw exists because the plugin's AJAX endpoint 'wp_ajax_delete_log' lacks proper capability checks, allowing any authenticated user with Subscriber-level privileges or higher to invoke this endpoint and delete log files. This missing authorization means that users who normally should have limited access can perform unauthorized modifications to log data. The vulnerability affects all plugin versions up to and including 4.7.5. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 4.3 (medium severity), reflecting that the attack vector is network-based, requires low privileges, no user interaction, and impacts integrity but not confidentiality or availability. Since logs are critical for auditing and forensic purposes, unauthorized deletion can impair incident detection and response. No patches have been released at the time of this report, and no active exploitation has been observed. The vulnerability is particularly relevant for organizations relying on Phrase TMS for localization workflows within WordPress, as attackers with minimal privileges could cover their tracks by deleting logs. The issue highlights the importance of enforcing strict authorization checks on all AJAX endpoints, especially those that perform sensitive operations such as log management.

For European organizations, the primary impact of this vulnerability is the potential for unauthorized deletion of log files, which undermines the integrity of audit trails and complicates incident response efforts. Organizations using Phrase TMS Integration for WordPress in their localization or content management workflows may find it easier for malicious insiders or compromised low-privilege accounts to erase evidence of malicious activity. While this vulnerability does not directly lead to data breaches or service disruption, the loss of logs can delay detection of other attacks and reduce forensic capabilities. This risk is heightened in regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, and government sectors within Europe, where maintaining accurate logs is often a compliance requirement. Additionally, attackers could leverage this flaw to cover tracks after escalating privileges or conducting other malicious activities within WordPress environments. The medium severity rating reflects the limited scope and impact but does not diminish the operational risks associated with log tampering.

European organizations should implement the following specific mitigations: 1) Immediately audit WordPress sites for the presence of the Phrase TMS Integration plugin and identify versions up to 4.7.5. 2) Restrict access to the 'wp_ajax_delete_log' AJAX endpoint by applying server-level access controls or web application firewall (WAF) rules to block unauthorized requests. 3) Implement custom capability checks in the plugin code or via WordPress hooks to ensure only trusted administrator roles can invoke log deletion functions. 4) Monitor WordPress user accounts for unusual activity, especially from Subscriber-level users performing privileged actions. 5) Maintain regular backups of log files to enable recovery in case of deletion. 6) Engage with the plugin vendor or community to obtain or develop patches that properly enforce authorization on affected endpoints. 7) Enhance logging and alerting mechanisms to detect attempts to access or delete logs. 8) Educate site administrators on the risks of granting unnecessary privileges to low-level users. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on access control hardening, monitoring, and recovery strategies tailored to this vulnerability.