CVE-2025-28962 is a Missing Authorization vulnerability (CWE-862) found in the stefanoai Advanced Google Universal Analytics plugin, affecting versions up to 1.0.3. This vulnerability arises from incorrectly configured access control security levels, allowing users with limited privileges (requiring at least some level of authentication) to perform unauthorized actions or access sensitive data that should be restricted. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.5 reflects a medium severity, with the attack vector being network-based (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), high confidentiality impact (C:H), but no impact on integrity (I:N) or availability (A:N). Essentially, an authenticated user with limited privileges could exploit this flaw remotely to gain unauthorized access to confidential information handled by the plugin, potentially exposing analytics data or configuration details that could be leveraged for further attacks or data leakage. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet, indicating that remediation may still be pending or under development. The vulnerability is specifically tied to the Advanced Google Universal Analytics plugin, which is used to integrate Google Analytics data into websites, often WordPress-based, to provide enhanced tracking and reporting capabilities. The missing authorization check suggests that certain API endpoints or administrative functions are accessible without proper permission validation, which could be abused by malicious insiders or compromised accounts.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the confidentiality of web analytics data, which may include user behavior, traffic sources, and potentially sensitive business intelligence. Exposure of such data can lead to competitive disadvantage, privacy compliance issues under GDPR, and increased risk of targeted phishing or social engineering attacks. Since the flaw requires at least some level of authentication, the threat is more relevant to organizations with multiple users having access to the analytics plugin, such as marketing teams or third-party contractors. Unauthorized access could also facilitate lateral movement within the network if attackers leverage the information gained. Given the widespread use of Google Analytics and WordPress in Europe, especially among SMEs and digital agencies, the vulnerability could impact a broad range of sectors including e-commerce, media, and professional services. The lack of impact on integrity and availability reduces the risk of direct service disruption or data tampering but does not diminish the confidentiality concerns. Compliance with GDPR mandates strict protection of personal data, and unauthorized disclosure of analytics data could trigger regulatory scrutiny and fines.

Organizations should immediately audit user permissions related to the Advanced Google Universal Analytics plugin, ensuring that only trusted and necessary users have access. Implement the principle of least privilege rigorously, removing or restricting accounts that do not require plugin access. Monitor and log all access to analytics configuration and data endpoints to detect suspicious activity. Until an official patch is released, consider disabling or uninstalling the plugin if feasible, or isolating it behind additional access controls such as IP whitelisting or VPN-only access. Web application firewalls (WAFs) can be configured to detect and block anomalous requests targeting the plugin’s endpoints. Regularly check for vendor updates or security advisories from stefanoai and apply patches promptly once available. Additionally, conduct internal penetration testing focusing on access control mechanisms of analytics plugins to identify similar weaknesses. Educate users about the risks of privilege misuse and enforce strong authentication methods to reduce the risk of compromised accounts being exploited.