CVE-2025-12696 identifies a security weakness in the HelloLeads CRM Form Shortcode WordPress plugin, specifically versions up to 1.0, where the plugin fails to enforce authorization and Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) protections when resetting its settings. The vulnerability stems from two primary issues: CWE-862 (Missing Authorization) and CWE-352 (Cross-Site Request Forgery). Because the plugin does not verify whether the request to reset settings originates from an authenticated and authorized user, nor does it validate the legitimacy of the request via CSRF tokens, an unauthenticated attacker can remotely trigger a reset of the plugin’s configuration. This can be done without any user interaction, making exploitation straightforward. The impact of such a reset could range from denial of service of CRM functionalities to potential manipulation of data flows within the CRM system, undermining data integrity and availability. The vulnerability affects the plugin’s version 1.0 and possibly earlier, with no patches currently available. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, but the simplicity of the attack vector makes it a credible threat. The plugin is used within WordPress environments, which are widely deployed across Europe, particularly in small and medium enterprises that rely on CRM tools integrated into their websites. The lack of a CVSS score necessitates an independent severity assessment based on the vulnerability’s characteristics.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to the availability and integrity of CRM data managed through the HelloLeads plugin. An attacker exploiting this flaw could reset CRM settings, potentially disrupting business operations, causing loss of configuration data, or forcing organizations to restore from backups. This disruption could affect customer relationship management workflows, sales tracking, and marketing automation processes, leading to operational downtime and reputational damage. Since the vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote exploitation without user interaction, it lowers the barrier for attackers, increasing the likelihood of opportunistic attacks. Organizations relying on this plugin for critical CRM functions may experience service interruptions or data inconsistencies. Additionally, if attackers combine this vulnerability with other weaknesses, they could escalate attacks to compromise broader WordPress site integrity. The impact is more pronounced in sectors where CRM data is vital for customer engagement and regulatory compliance, such as finance, healthcare, and retail within Europe.

Immediate mitigation involves restricting access to the WordPress administrative interface and the plugin’s settings page through web application firewalls (WAFs) and IP whitelisting to prevent unauthorized requests. Administrators should monitor HTTP requests for suspicious activity targeting the plugin’s reset functionality. Until an official patch is released, consider disabling or removing the HelloLeads CRM Form Shortcode plugin if feasible. Implementing custom CSRF tokens and authorization checks at the web server or application firewall level can provide temporary protection. Regularly back up WordPress site configurations and CRM data to enable rapid recovery in case of unauthorized resets. Organizations should subscribe to vulnerability advisories from WPScan and HelloLeads to apply patches promptly once available. Conduct security audits on WordPress plugins to identify similar authorization and CSRF weaknesses. Finally, educate site administrators about the risks of installing unverified plugins and the importance of timely updates.