CVE-2025-12496 is a directory traversal vulnerability classified under CWE-22 affecting the Zephyr Project Manager plugin for WordPress, versions up to and including 3.3.203. The vulnerability arises from improper validation of the 'file' parameter, allowing authenticated users with Custom-level access or higher to manipulate the pathname and access files outside the intended restricted directory. This can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive server files, which may include configuration files, credentials, or other confidential data. Furthermore, if the server configuration enables 'allow_url_fopen', the vulnerability can be leveraged to perform server-side request forgery (SSRF), enabling the attacker to make arbitrary HTTP requests from the server, potentially accessing internal resources or services not exposed externally. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 4.9 (medium severity), reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, high privileges required, no user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality but no impact on integrity or availability. No public exploit code or active exploitation has been reported to date. The vulnerability affects all versions of the plugin up to 3.3.203, and no official patch links are currently available. The issue was reserved on 2025-10-29 and published on 2025-12-17 by Wordfence.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk of sensitive data exposure through unauthorized file reads, which can include credentials, configuration files, or other proprietary information. The SSRF potential increases risk by allowing attackers to pivot within internal networks, possibly accessing internal services, databases, or cloud metadata endpoints, which could lead to further compromise. Organizations relying on WordPress sites with the Zephyr Project Manager plugin, especially those with users granted Custom-level or higher access, are at risk. The impact is heightened in environments where 'allow_url_fopen' is enabled, a common PHP configuration in many hosting environments. Data breaches resulting from this vulnerability could lead to regulatory penalties under GDPR if personal data is exposed. Additionally, internal network reconnaissance via SSRF could facilitate lateral movement or privilege escalation attacks. The medium severity rating indicates moderate urgency but should not be underestimated given the potential for sensitive data leakage and SSRF exploitation.

Immediate mitigation steps include restricting access to the Zephyr Project Manager plugin to only trusted users and minimizing the number of users with Custom-level or higher privileges. Disable 'allow_url_fopen' in PHP configurations if not strictly necessary, as this reduces the SSRF attack surface. Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious requests containing directory traversal patterns targeting the 'file' parameter. Monitor logs for unusual file access patterns or SSRF attempts. Until an official patch is released, consider temporarily disabling or removing the plugin from production environments. Conduct a thorough audit of files accessible via the plugin to identify any sensitive data exposure. Educate administrators and users about the risk and encourage prompt reporting of suspicious activity. Once a patch is available, apply it immediately and verify the fix. Additionally, implement least privilege principles for WordPress user roles to limit potential exploitation.