CVE-2025-14071 is a deserialization vulnerability categorized under CWE-502 affecting the Live Composer – Free WordPress Website Builder plugin for WordPress, specifically versions up to and including 2.0.2. The vulnerability arises from unsafe deserialization of untrusted input in the dslc_module_posts_output shortcode, allowing authenticated users with Contributor-level privileges or higher to inject crafted PHP objects. This PHP Object Injection can lead to severe consequences if a gadget chain (POP chain) exists in other installed plugins or themes, enabling attackers to perform arbitrary file deletions, retrieve sensitive data, or execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability does not have a standalone exploit path because no POP chain is present within the vulnerable plugin itself, making the presence of additional vulnerable components a prerequisite for full exploitation. The CVSS 3.1 score of 7.5 reflects a network attack vector with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, but requires low privileges and no user interaction, with high attack complexity due to the dependency on external POP chains. No known exploits are currently in the wild, but the risk remains significant for WordPress sites using this plugin in combination with other vulnerable components. The vulnerability was published on December 21, 2025, and no official patches are currently available, emphasizing the need for proactive mitigation.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-14071 can be substantial, especially for those relying on WordPress for critical business functions such as e-commerce, media publishing, or customer portals. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized data access, including personal and financial information, damaging confidentiality. Integrity could be compromised through unauthorized modification or deletion of website content or files, potentially disrupting business operations and damaging reputation. Availability may also be affected if attackers delete files or execute malicious code that disrupts website functionality. Given the requirement for Contributor-level access, insider threats or compromised accounts pose a significant risk. The dependency on additional vulnerable plugins or themes means complex WordPress environments with many extensions are at higher risk. This vulnerability could facilitate lateral movement or privilege escalation within the web application environment, increasing the overall threat surface.

European organizations should implement several targeted mitigations: 1) Restrict Contributor-level and higher access strictly to trusted users and regularly audit user roles and permissions. 2) Conduct a thorough inventory and security assessment of all installed WordPress plugins and themes to identify any that contain POP chains or are known to be vulnerable to PHP Object Injection. 3) Temporarily disable or remove the Live Composer plugin if it is not essential, or isolate it in a staging environment until patches are available. 4) Monitor web server and application logs for suspicious activity related to the dslc_module_posts_output shortcode or unusual deserialization attempts. 5) Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAF) with custom rules to detect and block malicious serialized payloads targeting this vulnerability. 6) Stay informed about updates from the plugin vendor and apply patches promptly once released. 7) Implement multi-factor authentication to reduce the risk of account compromise leading to exploitation. 8) Regularly back up website data and test restoration procedures to mitigate the impact of potential file deletions or data corruption.