The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-13069 affects the 'Enable SVG, WebP, and ICO Upload' WordPress plugin, which is designed to allow uploading of SVG, WebP, and ICO image formats. The core issue lies in insufficient validation of ICO files, specifically the plugin's failure to detect files with double extensions that include ICO magic bytes. This flaw allows authenticated users with author-level access or higher to upload arbitrary files, including potentially malicious scripts, to the server hosting the WordPress site. Because the plugin accepts files based on magic bytes rather than robust file type verification, attackers can craft files that appear as ICO images but contain executable code. Once uploaded, these files can be executed remotely, leading to remote code execution (RCE), which compromises the server's confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond authentication, making it easier to exploit for insiders or compromised accounts. The CVSS 3.1 score of 8.8 reflects the high impact and low attack complexity, with network attack vector, low attack complexity, and privileges required at the author level. No patches were available at the time of publication, and no known exploits were reported in the wild, but the risk remains significant due to the plugin's widespread use in WordPress environments. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-434 (Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type), a common vector for web application compromise.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a serious threat to websites running WordPress with the affected plugin. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized server access, data theft, website defacement, or use of the compromised server as a pivot point for further attacks within the corporate network. Organizations in sectors such as e-commerce, government, healthcare, and media that rely heavily on WordPress for their public presence are particularly at risk. The ability to upload arbitrary files and execute code remotely undermines trust, can cause service outages, and may lead to regulatory penalties under GDPR if personal data is exposed. The vulnerability's exploitation could also facilitate the deployment of malware or ransomware, amplifying operational and financial impacts. Given the plugin's functionality to enable additional image formats, many sites may have adopted it to enhance user experience, increasing the attack surface. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently offers a window for proactive mitigation, but the high severity score indicates that attackers could develop exploits rapidly.

Organizations should immediately audit their WordPress installations to identify the presence of the 'Enable SVG, WebP, and ICO Upload' plugin and verify the version in use. Until a patch is released, restrict upload permissions to trusted users only, ideally limiting author-level or higher roles from uploading files unless absolutely necessary. Implement strict file upload validation at the web server or application firewall level to block files with suspicious double extensions or unexpected content types. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules targeting file upload anomalies and monitor upload directories for unauthorized files. Enable file integrity monitoring to detect unexpected changes or additions to executable directories. Regularly review user roles and permissions to minimize the number of users with upload capabilities. Once a vendor patch or update is available, apply it promptly. Additionally, consider disabling the plugin if its functionality is not critical, or replace it with more secure alternatives that enforce stricter file validation. Conduct security awareness training for administrators and content creators about the risks of file uploads and suspicious activity.