CVE-2025-66085 identifies a missing authorization vulnerability in the Arconix Shortcodes plugin developed by tychesoftwares for WordPress. The vulnerability arises from incorrectly configured access control security levels within the plugin, which fails to properly verify whether a user has the necessary permissions before allowing certain actions. This flaw affects all versions up to and including 2.1.18. Since Arconix Shortcodes is used to add shortcode functionality to WordPress sites, unauthorized exploitation could allow attackers to execute privileged operations such as modifying shortcode outputs, injecting malicious content, or altering site behavior without proper authentication or authorization. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but depends on the attacker having access to the WordPress environment, which could be through a low-privileged user account or potentially unauthenticated access if the plugin exposes endpoints publicly. No public exploits have been reported yet, and no official patch links are available at this time. The absence of a CVSS score necessitates an assessment based on the potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as well as exploitation complexity. The missing authorization flaw primarily threatens confidentiality and integrity by enabling unauthorized changes to site content or functionality, which could lead to defacement, data leakage, or further privilege escalation. Availability impact is likely limited but cannot be ruled out if the attacker disrupts shortcode functionality. The plugin's widespread use in WordPress sites, especially in Europe where WordPress powers a significant portion of websites, increases the risk profile for organizations relying on this plugin for content management or e-commerce.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the integrity and confidentiality of their WordPress-based websites. Unauthorized users exploiting this flaw could manipulate site content, inject malicious code, or escalate privileges, potentially leading to data breaches, reputational damage, or disruption of online services. Organizations in sectors such as e-commerce, media, and public services that rely heavily on WordPress and the Arconix Shortcodes plugin may face increased exposure. The lack of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability's nature suggests it could be exploited with relative ease once publicly disclosed or if attackers discover the flaw independently. Additionally, regulatory frameworks like GDPR impose strict requirements on data protection, and exploitation leading to data compromise could result in legal and financial penalties for affected organizations. The impact on availability is less direct but could occur if attackers disrupt shortcode functionality or site rendering, affecting user experience and business continuity.

1. Monitor official channels from tychesoftwares and WordPress plugin repositories for patches addressing CVE-2025-66085 and apply updates immediately upon release. 2. In the interim, restrict access to WordPress administrative and plugin management interfaces to trusted users only, employing strong authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication (MFA). 3. Review and harden role-based access controls within WordPress to ensure users have the minimum necessary permissions, limiting exposure to unauthorized actions. 4. Conduct a thorough audit of shortcode usage and plugin configurations to identify any potentially exposed endpoints or functionalities that could be exploited. 5. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious requests targeting shortcode-related plugin endpoints. 6. Regularly back up WordPress sites and databases to enable rapid recovery in case of compromise. 7. Educate site administrators and developers about the risks of missing authorization vulnerabilities and best practices for secure plugin management. 8. Consider temporarily disabling the Arconix Shortcodes plugin if it is not critical to operations until a secure version is available.