CVE-2025-13999 is a Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) vulnerability identified in the bplugins HTML5 Audio Player – The Ultimate No-Code Podcast, MP3 & Audio Player WordPress plugin, specifically affecting versions from 2.4.0 up to and including 2.5.1. The vulnerability resides in the getIcyMetadata() function, which processes metadata for audio streams. An attacker can exploit this flaw without any authentication or user interaction by crafting requests that cause the server to send arbitrary HTTP requests to internal or external systems. SSRF vulnerabilities allow attackers to bypass network access controls, potentially accessing internal services that are not exposed externally, such as databases, internal APIs, or cloud metadata services. This can lead to information disclosure, unauthorized data modification, or pivoting deeper into the network. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.2 reflects the vulnerability's high impact on confidentiality and integrity, with no impact on availability. The vulnerability is notable for its ease of exploitation (no privileges or user interaction required) and the scope of affected systems, given the widespread use of WordPress and this plugin for audio content delivery. While no public exploits are currently known, the vulnerability's publication date in late 2025 suggests that attackers may develop exploits soon, increasing the urgency for mitigation.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-13999 can be significant, especially for those relying on WordPress sites that use the vulnerable bplugins HTML5 Audio Player plugin. Exploitation can lead to unauthorized internal network reconnaissance, data leakage from internal services, and potential manipulation of internal resources. This can compromise sensitive corporate data, intellectual property, or customer information. Additionally, SSRF can be a stepping stone for further attacks such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. Organizations in sectors with stringent data protection regulations, such as finance, healthcare, and government, face increased legal and reputational risks if internal data is exposed. The vulnerability's unauthenticated nature means attackers can scan and exploit vulnerable sites at scale, increasing the likelihood of widespread impact across European enterprises and public sector entities.

European organizations should immediately audit their WordPress installations to identify the presence of the bplugins HTML5 Audio Player plugin and verify its version. The primary mitigation is to upgrade the plugin to a version beyond 2.5.1 once a patch is released by the vendor. Until a patch is available, organizations should consider disabling or removing the plugin to eliminate the attack surface. Web application firewalls (WAFs) can be configured to detect and block suspicious requests targeting the getIcyMetadata() function or unusual outbound HTTP requests originating from the web server. Network segmentation should be enforced to restrict the web server's ability to access internal services unnecessarily. Additionally, internal services should implement strict access controls and authentication to prevent unauthorized access even if SSRF occurs. Monitoring and logging outbound requests from web servers can help detect exploitation attempts early. Finally, organizations should educate their security teams about SSRF risks and incorporate SSRF testing into regular security assessments.