CVE-2025-49980 is a Missing Authorization vulnerability (CWE-862) identified in the WP User Profile Avatar component of the WP Event Manager plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability arises due to improperly configured access control mechanisms, allowing users with limited privileges (requiring at least some level of authentication) to perform actions that should be restricted. Specifically, the flaw enables an authenticated user with low privileges to bypass authorization checks and potentially manipulate or upload profile avatars without proper permission validation. The vulnerability affects versions up to 1.0.6 of the WP User Profile Avatar component. According to the CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N), the vulnerability can be exploited remotely over the network without user interaction, requires low complexity, and needs the attacker to have some level of privileges (low privileges), but does not require further user interaction. The impact is limited to a low confidentiality breach, with no direct impact on integrity or availability. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability was published on June 20, 2025, and is classified as medium severity with a CVSS score of 4.3.

For European organizations using WordPress sites with the WP Event Manager plugin and specifically the WP User Profile Avatar component, this vulnerability could allow authenticated users with limited privileges to upload or modify profile avatars without proper authorization. While the direct impact on confidentiality is low, this could be leveraged as a foothold for further attacks such as social engineering, phishing, or embedding malicious content in avatars that might be displayed to other users or administrators. The lack of impact on integrity and availability reduces the risk of direct data manipulation or service disruption. However, organizations relying on WP Event Manager for event management and user interaction may face reputational risks if attackers exploit this flaw to impersonate users or distribute inappropriate content. The medium severity rating suggests that while the vulnerability is not critical, it should be addressed promptly to prevent potential abuse, especially in environments with many authenticated users or where user-generated content is widely visible.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting user roles that can upload or modify profile avatars to trusted users only, minimizing the attack surface. 2. Implement additional access control checks at the application or web server level to enforce authorization beyond the plugin's default controls. 3. Monitor user avatar uploads for suspicious content or unusual activity, employing automated scanning tools for malware or inappropriate content. 4. Disable the WP User Profile Avatar feature if it is not essential to the organization's operations until a patch is available. 5. Keep WordPress core, plugins, and themes updated, and subscribe to vendor advisories for timely patch releases. 6. Conduct regular audits of user permissions and roles to ensure least privilege principles are enforced. 7. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block unauthorized avatar upload attempts. 8. Educate site administrators and users about the risks of unauthorized content uploads and encourage reporting of suspicious activity.