CVE-2025-62064 is a critical authentication bypass vulnerability identified in the Elated-Themes Search & Go WordPress plugin, affecting all versions up to and including 2.7. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of the password recovery process, where an attacker can leverage an alternate path or communication channel to bypass authentication controls entirely. This means that without any privileges, user interaction, or authentication, an attacker can exploit the password recovery mechanism to gain unauthorized access to accounts or administrative functions. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8, reflecting its high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as well as its low attack complexity and lack of required privileges or user interaction. Although no public exploits are currently known, the nature of the flaw suggests that exploitation could lead to full site compromise, data leakage, or defacement. The plugin is commonly used in WordPress environments to enhance search functionality, and its widespread deployment increases the potential attack surface. The vulnerability was reserved in early October 2025 and published in November 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. No official patches or updates have been linked yet, highlighting the urgency for vendors and users to respond quickly. The vulnerability's exploitation vector is network-based, allowing remote attackers to target vulnerable sites directly over the internet.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for those relying on WordPress sites with the Elated-Themes Search & Go plugin installed. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized account access, including administrative accounts, resulting in data breaches, defacement, or complete site takeover. This can disrupt business operations, damage reputation, and lead to regulatory non-compliance under GDPR due to potential exposure of personal data. The critical severity and ease of exploitation mean attackers could rapidly compromise multiple sites, especially in sectors like e-commerce, government, and media where WordPress is prevalent. The impact extends beyond individual sites, as compromised platforms can be used to launch further attacks, distribute malware, or conduct phishing campaigns targeting European users. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the high CVSS score underscores the urgency to address the vulnerability before active exploitation emerges.

1. Immediate monitoring for any unusual activity on password recovery endpoints and login attempts related to the Search & Go plugin. 2. Restrict access to password recovery functions via web application firewalls (WAFs) or IP whitelisting where feasible. 3. Disable or temporarily remove the Search & Go plugin if patching is not yet available, especially on high-value or public-facing sites. 4. Apply vendor patches or updates as soon as they are released; maintain close communication with Elated-Themes for official fixes. 5. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all administrative accounts to reduce the impact of credential compromise. 6. Conduct thorough audits of user accounts and permissions to detect any unauthorized changes. 7. Employ intrusion detection systems (IDS) and log analysis to identify exploitation attempts. 8. Educate site administrators about the vulnerability and encourage prompt action. 9. Consider isolating critical WordPress instances from the internet or limiting plugin usage to trusted environments. 10. Regularly back up site data and configurations to enable rapid recovery in case of compromise.