CVE-2025-5305 is a critical 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 inadequate cryptographic algorithms to generate one-time password (OTP) codes for password reset functionality. Specifically, the vulnerability is categorized under CWE-326, which refers to the use of insufficient encryption strength. The weakness allows attackers to predict or brute-force OTP codes due to the lack of cryptographically secure random number generation. This flaw can be exploited remotely without authentication or user interaction, as indicated by the CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N). Successful exploitation could lead to full account takeover, compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of user accounts on affected WordPress sites. Given the plugin’s integration with the WordPress REST API, the attack surface is exposed over the network, increasing the risk of automated attacks. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the high CVSS score of 9.8 reflects the critical nature of this vulnerability and the potential for severe impact if weaponized. The absence of a patch link suggests that a fix may not yet be publicly available, emphasizing the urgency for users to monitor updates or apply temporary mitigations.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for those relying on WordPress-based websites and services that utilize the affected plugin. Compromise of user accounts through OTP prediction can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, defacement of websites, disruption of services, and potential lateral movement within organizational networks if the compromised accounts have elevated privileges. This can result in data breaches subject to GDPR regulations, leading to legal and financial penalties. Moreover, organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, which often use WordPress for public-facing portals, could face reputational damage and operational disruption. The ease of exploitation without authentication or user interaction increases the likelihood of automated mass attacks targeting vulnerable installations across Europe.

Immediate mitigation steps include disabling the 'Password Reset with Code for WordPress REST API' plugin until a secure update is released. Organizations should monitor the plugin’s official repository or WPScan advisories for patches addressing this vulnerability. In the interim, administrators can implement additional controls such as rate limiting password reset requests, enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) for user accounts, and enforcing strong password policies to reduce the impact of potential account takeovers. Reviewing and restricting REST API access through WordPress configuration or firewall rules can also reduce exposure. For sites with custom development, replacing the insecure OTP generation mechanism with cryptographically secure random number generators (e.g., PHP’s random_bytes or openssl_random_pseudo_bytes) is recommended. Regular security audits and monitoring for unusual login activity will help detect exploitation attempts early.