CVE-2025-54743 identifies a missing authorization vulnerability in the mkscripts Download After Email plugin, specifically affecting versions up to 2.1.6. The plugin is designed to restrict downloads by requiring users to provide an email address before accessing files. However, due to incorrectly configured access control security levels, unauthorized users can bypass these restrictions and directly download protected content without proper authorization. This vulnerability arises from a failure to enforce proper permission checks on download requests, effectively allowing attackers to circumvent the intended gating mechanism. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the flaw presents a significant risk to confidentiality, as sensitive or proprietary files intended only for authorized users could be exposed. The vulnerability does not require user interaction or authentication, increasing its exploitability. The absence of a CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability has not yet been fully assessed, but the nature of the issue suggests a high risk. The plugin is commonly used in content management systems to control access to downloadable resources, making websites and services that rely on it vulnerable to data leakage and potential reputational damage. The lack of patch links suggests that a fix may not yet be publicly available, emphasizing the need for interim mitigation strategies.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or proprietary information distributed via the Download After Email plugin. Organizations using this plugin to gate downloads for marketing, legal, or confidential documents could inadvertently expose such materials to unauthorized parties. This can lead to data breaches, loss of intellectual property, and regulatory compliance issues under GDPR, especially if personal data is involved. The integrity of access control mechanisms is compromised, undermining trust in the organization's data protection measures. Additionally, unauthorized downloads could result in increased bandwidth costs and potential exploitation for further attacks if sensitive files contain exploitable information. The impact is particularly critical for sectors handling sensitive data such as finance, healthcare, legal services, and government agencies. The lack of authentication requirement for exploitation increases the threat surface, making it easier for attackers to automate unauthorized downloads. Organizations may also face reputational damage and legal consequences if the vulnerability leads to data breaches.

1. Monitor and restrict access to the Download After Email plugin by limiting its use to trusted administrators until a patch is available. 2. Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block anomalous download requests that bypass email gating. 3. Conduct thorough access control reviews and enforce strict permission checks on download endpoints at the server or application level. 4. Disable or remove the Download After Email plugin if it is not essential or replace it with a more secure alternative that enforces robust authorization. 5. Use network segmentation and logging to detect unusual download patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Educate website administrators about the vulnerability and encourage prompt updates once patches are released. 7. Employ multi-factor authentication for administrative access to reduce the risk of plugin misuse. 8. Regularly audit website and plugin configurations to ensure compliance with security best practices. 9. Engage in proactive threat hunting to identify any signs of exploitation attempts within the network.