CVE-2025-64632 identifies a missing authorization vulnerability in the Auctollo Google XML Sitemaps plugin, specifically versions up to 4.1.21. The vulnerability arises from incorrectly configured access control security levels, which fail to properly restrict access to certain sitemap management functionalities. This misconfiguration allows unauthorized users to bypass intended authorization checks, potentially enabling them to view, modify, or delete sitemap data without proper permissions. Since sitemaps are critical for search engine indexing and SEO, unauthorized manipulation can lead to degraded website visibility, misinformation to search engines, or exposure of sensitive URL structures. Although no exploits have been reported in the wild, the vulnerability's nature suggests that exploitation could be straightforward, especially if the plugin is publicly accessible on WordPress sites. The absence of a CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability is newly published and pending detailed assessment. The plugin is widely used in WordPress environments, which are prevalent across many European organizations, particularly in sectors relying heavily on web presence such as e-commerce, media, and digital services. The vulnerability does not require authentication, increasing its risk profile, and impacts the integrity and confidentiality of website data. The lack of immediate patches necessitates interim mitigation strategies to prevent exploitation.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-64632 could be significant, especially for those relying on WordPress sites with the affected Google XML Sitemaps plugin. Unauthorized access to sitemap management can lead to manipulation or deletion of sitemap files, which can disrupt search engine indexing and reduce website traffic, directly affecting business revenue and reputation. Additionally, attackers might gain insights into website structure and sensitive URLs, potentially facilitating further attacks such as targeted phishing or exploitation of other web vulnerabilities. The integrity of website content and SEO rankings may be compromised, which is critical for digital marketing and online presence. Organizations in sectors like e-commerce, media, and government services, which depend heavily on web visibility and trust, could face operational and reputational damage. The vulnerability's ease of exploitation without authentication increases the likelihood of attacks, especially if attackers scan for vulnerable sites. Although no known exploits exist yet, the risk remains elevated until patches or mitigations are applied.

1. Monitor official Auctollo and WordPress security channels for patch releases and apply updates to the Google XML Sitemaps plugin immediately upon availability. 2. In the interim, restrict access to sitemap management interfaces by implementing IP whitelisting or VPN-only access for administrative functions. 3. Review and tighten WordPress user roles and permissions to ensure only trusted administrators have access to sitemap configuration. 4. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block unauthorized attempts to access sitemap management endpoints. 5. Conduct regular audits of sitemap files and logs to detect unauthorized changes or access patterns. 6. Consider temporarily disabling the plugin if the risk outweighs its benefits until a secure version is released. 7. Educate web administrators about this vulnerability to increase vigilance against suspicious activities related to sitemap files. 8. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all administrative accounts to reduce the risk of credential compromise.