CVE-2025-13378 is a Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) vulnerability identified in the AI ChatBot with ChatGPT and Content Generator by AYS plugin for WordPress, affecting all versions up to and including 2.7.0. The vulnerability resides in the ays_chatgpt_pinecone_upsert function, which improperly handles user-supplied input to make web requests from the server. An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this flaw to induce the server to send HTTP requests to arbitrary locations, including internal network services that are otherwise inaccessible externally. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive internal resources, data leakage, or manipulation of internal services. The vulnerability does not require any authentication or user interaction, increasing its risk profile. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.5, reflecting medium severity, with the vector indicating network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and impact on confidentiality and integrity but not availability. No patches or fixes are currently linked, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-918, which covers SSRF issues. Given the plugin’s integration with AI and content generation, the attack surface includes both the WordPress environment and any internal APIs or services accessible from the server. This vulnerability highlights the risk of insufficient input validation and improper handling of server-side requests in web applications, especially those integrating third-party AI services.

For European organizations, the SSRF vulnerability in this widely used WordPress plugin poses significant risks. Exploitation could allow attackers to access internal services that are not exposed to the internet, potentially leading to data breaches or unauthorized modifications of internal data. This is particularly concerning for organizations that host sensitive internal APIs, databases, or management interfaces on the same infrastructure as their WordPress sites. Confidentiality and integrity of internal data could be compromised without triggering availability issues, making detection harder. The lack of authentication and user interaction requirements means attackers can exploit the vulnerability remotely and anonymously, increasing the likelihood of attacks. Organizations relying on AI chatbots for customer interaction or content generation may face reputational damage if attackers leverage this vulnerability to manipulate chatbot responses or extract sensitive information. Additionally, the vulnerability could be used as a pivot point for further attacks within the internal network. The medium severity score suggests a moderate but non-trivial risk, warranting prompt attention especially in sectors with strict data protection regulations such as finance, healthcare, and government within Europe.

1. Monitor official channels from AYS-pro for patches or updates addressing CVE-2025-13378 and apply them immediately upon release. 2. In the interim, restrict outbound HTTP requests from the WordPress server, especially those initiated by the plugin, using firewall rules or web application firewall (WAF) policies to limit access to only trusted external endpoints. 3. Implement network segmentation to isolate internal services from the WordPress hosting environment, reducing the risk of SSRF exploitation reaching sensitive internal resources. 4. Conduct thorough input validation and sanitization on any user-controllable parameters related to the plugin’s functions, if custom modifications are possible. 5. Enable detailed logging and monitoring of outbound requests from the WordPress server to detect unusual or unauthorized request patterns indicative of SSRF exploitation attempts. 6. Review and harden WordPress security configurations, including limiting plugin permissions and disabling unnecessary features. 7. Educate administrators about the risks of SSRF and encourage regular security audits of plugins, especially those integrating external AI services. 8. Consider deploying runtime application self-protection (RASP) or advanced WAF solutions capable of detecting and blocking SSRF attempts dynamically.