CVE-2025-5956 is a security vulnerability identified in the WP Human Resource Management plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions 2.0.0 through 2.2.17. The vulnerability arises from a missing authorization check within the ajax_delete_employee() function. This function processes a client-supplied $_POST['delete'] array containing user IDs intended for deletion. The plugin directly passes these IDs to the WordPress core function wp_delete_user() without verifying whether the requesting user has the necessary 'delete_users' capability or restricting which user accounts can be deleted. Consequently, any authenticated user with Employee-level access or higher can exploit this flaw to delete arbitrary user accounts, including those with administrative privileges. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-862 (Missing Authorization) and has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 6.5, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is network-based (remote), requires low privileges (authenticated user with Employee-level access), and does not require user interaction. The impact is primarily on integrity, as unauthorized deletion of user accounts can disrupt organizational operations and potentially lock out legitimate administrators. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet, making timely mitigation critical to prevent exploitation.

For European organizations using WordPress with the WP Human Resource Management plugin, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to user account integrity and operational continuity. Unauthorized deletion of user accounts, especially administrators, can lead to loss of control over the WordPress environment, disruption of HR management processes, and potential exposure to further attacks if administrative access is lost or compromised. Organizations in sectors with strict compliance requirements (e.g., GDPR) may face regulatory and reputational consequences if such unauthorized deletions result in data loss or service unavailability. The medium severity rating reflects that while confidentiality and availability are not directly impacted, the integrity compromise can cascade into broader operational issues. Given the widespread use of WordPress across European businesses, especially SMEs relying on plugins for HR functions, the threat could affect a broad range of organizations if not addressed promptly.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting access to the WP Human Resource Management plugin to only trusted users and roles until a patch is available. 2. Administrators should audit user roles and permissions to ensure that only necessary personnel have Employee-level or higher access. 3. Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to monitor and block suspicious POST requests targeting the ajax_delete_employee() endpoint. 4. Regularly back up WordPress user data and configurations to enable rapid restoration in case of unauthorized deletions. 5. Monitor WordPress logs for unusual user deletion activities and set up alerts for such events. 6. Once available, promptly apply vendor patches or updates addressing this vulnerability. 7. Consider deploying additional authorization checks via custom code or security plugins that enforce capability verification before user deletion actions. 8. Educate users with elevated privileges about the risks and encourage vigilance against potential exploitation attempts.