CVE-2025-5305 is a vulnerability identified in the WordPress plugin 'Password Reset with Code for WordPress REST API' affecting versions prior to 0.0.17. The core issue stems from the plugin's use of cryptographically weak algorithms to generate one-time passwords (OTPs) used in the password reset process. Specifically, the vulnerability is categorized under CWE-326, which refers to inadequate encryption strength. OTPs are critical security tokens that verify a user's identity during password reset workflows. If these codes are generated using predictable or weak cryptographic methods, attackers can potentially guess or reproduce valid OTPs, thereby bypassing authentication controls. This weakness could allow an attacker to perform account takeovers by resetting passwords without proper authorization. The vulnerability does not currently have a CVSS score assigned, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date (September 18, 2025). However, the risk remains significant given the nature of the flaw and the widespread use of WordPress plugins for website management. The plugin's reliance on the WordPress REST API further broadens the attack surface, as REST APIs are commonly exposed endpoints. The absence of a patch link suggests that a fix may not yet be publicly available, emphasizing the need for immediate attention from site administrators using this plugin.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be substantial, especially for those relying on WordPress for their web presence, e-commerce, or internal portals. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to user accounts, including administrative accounts, resulting in data breaches, defacement, or further compromise of the website infrastructure. Confidentiality is at risk as attackers could access sensitive user data. Integrity could be compromised if attackers alter website content or user information. Availability might be indirectly affected if attackers disrupt services or lock out legitimate users. Given the GDPR regulations in Europe, any data breach resulting from account takeovers could lead to significant legal and financial penalties. Additionally, organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, which often use WordPress for public-facing sites, could face reputational damage and operational disruptions. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for mitigation, but the vulnerability's presence in a widely used plugin means the threat could escalate rapidly once exploitation techniques are developed.

European organizations should immediately audit their WordPress installations to identify if the 'Password Reset with Code for WordPress REST API' plugin is in use and verify the version. If the plugin is present and running a version prior to 0.0.17, organizations should disable the plugin until a secure update is released. In the absence of an official patch, administrators can consider implementing custom OTP generation mechanisms using cryptographically secure random number generators (e.g., PHP's random_bytes or openssl_random_pseudo_bytes) to replace the vulnerable code. Additionally, enforcing multi-factor authentication (MFA) on WordPress accounts can reduce the risk of account takeover even if OTPs are compromised. Monitoring logs for unusual password reset requests and rate limiting password reset attempts can also help detect and mitigate exploitation attempts. Organizations should subscribe to vulnerability advisories from WPScan and the plugin developer to apply patches promptly once available. Finally, educating users about phishing and social engineering risks related to password resets can further reduce attack vectors.