The vulnerability CVE-2025-12177 affects the Download Manager plugin developed by codename065 for WordPress, present in all versions up to and including 3.3.30. The core issue is the use of a hardcoded cryptographic key embedded within the plugin's code, specifically utilized in the deleteExpired() and clearTempDataCPCron() functions, which are responsible for scheduled maintenance tasks such as deleting expired posts and clearing temporary cache data. Because the key is hardcoded and publicly accessible within the plugin's codebase, unauthenticated attackers can invoke these cron jobs remotely without any credentials or user interaction. This unauthorized triggering can lead to unintended deletion of content and cache clearing, compromising data integrity and potentially disrupting website functionality. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-321 (Use of Hard-coded Cryptographic Key), which is a recognized security weakness that undermines cryptographic protections by embedding secrets in code. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.3 (medium), reflecting the network attack vector, no required privileges or user interaction, and limited impact confined to integrity loss without affecting confidentiality or availability. No patches or fixes have been published yet, and no known exploits have been observed in the wild. However, the presence of a hardcoded key is a critical design flaw that should be addressed promptly to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability affects all plugin versions, indicating a widespread exposure for users of this WordPress plugin.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to the integrity of website content and cache data managed via the Download Manager plugin. Unauthorized deletion of expired posts could result in loss of historical or regulatory content, potentially impacting compliance and operational continuity. Clearing cache unexpectedly may degrade website performance or user experience temporarily. Although confidentiality and availability are not directly impacted, the integrity compromise could undermine trust in the affected web services. Organizations relying on WordPress sites for publishing, e-commerce, or customer engagement that use this plugin are at risk of content disruption. The ease of exploitation—requiring no authentication or user interaction—means attackers can automate attacks at scale, increasing the threat level. Given the widespread use of WordPress in Europe and the popularity of content management plugins, the vulnerability could affect a significant number of sites, especially those with limited security monitoring or patch management. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for future attacks.

Immediate mitigation steps include auditing WordPress sites to identify installations of the codename065 Download Manager plugin, especially versions up to 3.3.30. Site administrators should restrict access to the cron job endpoints by implementing IP whitelisting or authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized triggering. Removing or replacing the hardcoded cryptographic key with a securely generated, environment-specific secret is critical; this may require custom patching or waiting for an official update from the vendor. Monitoring web server logs for unusual access patterns to the affected cron functions can help detect exploitation attempts. Employing web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules to block unauthorized requests to these endpoints can provide additional protection. Organizations should also maintain regular backups of website content and cache data to enable recovery in case of data deletion. Engaging with the plugin vendor for timely patches and updates is essential. Finally, educating site administrators about the risks of hardcoded keys and enforcing secure coding practices can prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.