CVE-2025-12505 is an improper authorization vulnerability classified under CWE-285 found in the weDocs plugin for WordPress, a tool used to create AI-powered knowledge bases, documentation, wikis, and chatbots. The vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 2.1.14 due to the plugin's failure to properly verify user permissions within the create_item_permissions_check function. This flaw allows any authenticated user with at least Subscriber-level privileges to bypass intended access controls and modify global plugin settings, which should normally be restricted to administrators or trusted roles. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without requiring additional user interaction, making it relatively easy to exploit if an attacker has valid credentials. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.4, reflecting a medium severity level with low attack complexity, requiring low privileges but no user interaction. The impact primarily affects confidentiality and integrity by enabling unauthorized changes to plugin configurations, potentially leading to further compromise or information disclosure. Availability is not impacted. No public exploits or active exploitation have been reported to date. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust authorization checks in WordPress plugins, especially those that manage sensitive or global settings. Organizations using the weDocs plugin should monitor for updates and apply patches promptly once available.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk to the confidentiality and integrity of WordPress-based knowledge management systems. Attackers with low-level access can escalate their privileges within the plugin context, potentially altering documentation, knowledge base content, or AI chatbot behavior, which could lead to misinformation, data leakage, or further exploitation. Organizations relying on weDocs for internal or customer-facing documentation may face reputational damage or operational disruptions if attackers manipulate content or settings. Since WordPress is widely used across Europe, especially among SMEs and public sector entities, the scope of impact could be significant. However, the requirement for authenticated access limits exposure to insider threats or attackers who have compromised user credentials. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers often develop exploits after vulnerability disclosure. The vulnerability could also be leveraged as a foothold for lateral movement within networks if combined with other weaknesses.

1. Monitor the official wedevs plugin repository and security advisories for a patch addressing CVE-2025-12505 and apply updates immediately upon release. 2. Until a patch is available, restrict WordPress user roles to the minimum necessary privileges, especially limiting Subscriber-level users from accessing or interacting with the weDocs plugin settings. 3. Implement strict access controls and role management policies to prevent unauthorized users from gaining authenticated access to WordPress sites. 4. Use Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious requests targeting the plugin’s endpoints. 5. Conduct regular audits of WordPress user accounts and plugin configurations to detect unauthorized changes. 6. Consider isolating critical documentation systems from public-facing WordPress installations or deploying alternative secure documentation platforms if feasible. 7. Educate administrators and users about the risks of credential compromise and enforce strong authentication mechanisms such as MFA to reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access.