CVE-2025-43838 is a security vulnerability classified under CWE-862 (Missing Authorization) affecting the ChoPlugins Custom PC Builder Lite plugin for WooCommerce. This vulnerability arises due to improperly configured access control mechanisms within the plugin, allowing unauthorized users to perform actions that should be restricted. Specifically, the flaw permits exploitation of incorrect or missing authorization checks, potentially enabling attackers to manipulate the integrity and availability of the system without requiring any privileges or user interaction. The affected versions include all versions up to 1.0.1, with no specific lower bound version identified. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 6.5, indicating a medium severity level. The vector string (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:L) reveals that the attack can be performed remotely over the network with low attack complexity, no privileges, and no user interaction required. The impact primarily affects integrity and availability, allowing unauthorized modification or disruption of the plugin's functionality, but does not compromise confidentiality. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability was reserved in April 2025 and published in May 2025, with enrichment from CISA, indicating recognition by authoritative cybersecurity entities. Given that WooCommerce is a widely used e-commerce platform and Custom PC Builder Lite is a plugin facilitating custom PC configurations, this vulnerability could be leveraged to disrupt e-commerce operations or tamper with product configurations, potentially leading to business disruption or customer trust issues.

For European organizations, especially those operating e-commerce platforms using WooCommerce with the Custom PC Builder Lite plugin, this vulnerability poses a tangible risk. Unauthorized manipulation of product configurations or order processes could lead to incorrect orders, financial losses, and reputational damage. The integrity compromise may allow attackers to alter product details or pricing, while availability impacts could disrupt sales operations. Given the plugin’s role in custom PC building, targeted attacks could affect specialized retailers or system integrators, which are prevalent in technologically advanced European markets. Additionally, disruption or manipulation could have compliance implications under GDPR if customer data or transactional integrity is affected indirectly. The medium severity rating suggests a moderate but actionable risk, particularly for organizations lacking robust monitoring or access control compensations. The lack of required privileges or user interaction increases the attack surface, making it easier for remote attackers to exploit this flaw without insider access.

European organizations should immediately audit their WooCommerce installations to identify the presence of the Custom PC Builder Lite plugin and verify the version in use. Until an official patch is released, organizations should consider disabling or removing the plugin if it is not critical to operations. For those requiring the plugin, implementing strict network-level access controls to restrict access to the WooCommerce admin interface and plugin endpoints can reduce exposure. Monitoring and logging all administrative and plugin-related activities can help detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Additionally, applying Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block unauthorized requests targeting the plugin’s endpoints can provide a temporary protective layer. Organizations should also engage with the plugin vendor for timely patch releases and subscribe to vulnerability advisories. Finally, reviewing and tightening WooCommerce user roles and permissions to ensure least privilege principles are enforced will help mitigate risks from this and similar authorization vulnerabilities.