The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-14980 affects the BetterDocs plugin for WordPress, a popular knowledge base and FAQ solution integrated with Elementor and the Block Editor. The issue arises from improper handling of sensitive data within the scripts() function, which inadvertently exposes sensitive information to authenticated users with contributor-level permissions or higher. Specifically, attackers can extract the OpenAI API key stored in the plugin's settings, which could be leveraged for unauthorized API calls or further attacks. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 4.3.3. The CVSS 3.1 score of 6.5 reflects a medium severity, with an attack vector over the network, low attack complexity, and requiring privileges but no user interaction. The exposure compromises confidentiality but does not affect integrity or availability. No patches are currently linked, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, indicating exposure of sensitive information to unauthorized actors. The flaw's exploitation requires an authenticated user with at least contributor-level access, which is a common role in WordPress sites allowing content creation but not full administrative control. This means that insider threats or compromised contributor accounts could be leveraged to extract sensitive API keys, potentially leading to misuse of the OpenAI API and associated data leakage. The plugin's widespread use in WordPress sites that integrate AI-driven content or support services increases the risk profile. Given the nature of the exposed data, attackers could incur financial costs or reputational damage to affected organizations by abusing the API key. The lack of user interaction requirement simplifies exploitation once the attacker has appropriate access. The vulnerability highlights the need for secure storage and access control of sensitive configuration data within WordPress plugins.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk primarily to the confidentiality of sensitive API keys, which could be exploited to perform unauthorized actions via the OpenAI API, potentially incurring financial costs or enabling further attacks. Organizations using BetterDocs in knowledge bases or customer support portals that integrate AI services are particularly vulnerable. The exposure could lead to data leakage, unauthorized content generation, or manipulation of AI-driven workflows. Since contributor-level access is sufficient for exploitation, insider threats or compromised contributor accounts represent a realistic attack vector. The impact on integrity and availability is minimal; however, the misuse of API keys could indirectly affect service trustworthiness and operational costs. Organizations in sectors relying heavily on AI integrations, such as technology, media, and customer service, may face increased risks. Additionally, regulatory compliance under GDPR mandates protection of sensitive data, and exposure of API keys could lead to compliance violations if personal data is indirectly compromised. The absence of known exploits in the wild suggests a window for proactive mitigation, but the medium severity and ease of exploitation warrant urgent attention.

1. Immediately restrict contributor-level permissions to trusted users only and audit existing contributor accounts for suspicious activity. 2. Remove or rotate OpenAI API keys stored in BetterDocs plugin settings to invalidate potentially exposed credentials. 3. Implement environment variables or secure vault solutions for storing API keys instead of plugin settings to reduce exposure risk. 4. Monitor OpenAI API usage for anomalous activity that could indicate unauthorized use of compromised keys. 5. Apply principle of least privilege by limiting plugin access and capabilities where possible. 6. Follow up with the plugin vendor for official patches or updates addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. 7. Consider disabling or replacing the BetterDocs plugin if immediate patching is not feasible, especially in high-risk environments. 8. Conduct regular security reviews of WordPress plugins and configurations to identify and remediate similar exposures. 9. Educate content contributors about security best practices and the risks of credential exposure. 10. Use Web Application Firewalls (WAF) to detect and block suspicious requests targeting plugin endpoints.