CVE-2025-66124 identifies a missing authorization vulnerability in the ZEEN101 Leaky Paywall plugin, a WordPress extension used to manage subscription-based content access. The vulnerability stems from incorrectly configured access control security levels, which fail to properly restrict unauthorized users from accessing protected resources or administrative functions. This misconfiguration can allow attackers to bypass intended authorization checks, potentially exposing premium content or enabling unauthorized changes to subscription settings. The affected versions include all releases up to and including 4.22.5. Although no public exploits have been reported, the nature of the vulnerability suggests that exploitation could be straightforward for attackers with network access to the affected WordPress sites. The lack of a CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability is newly disclosed, but the missing authorization flaw typically represents a critical security concern, especially in paywall systems where content monetization depends on strict access controls. The vulnerability was reserved in late November 2025 and published in mid-December 2025, with no patches currently linked, emphasizing the need for immediate attention by administrators. The plugin’s widespread use in digital publishing makes this vulnerability particularly relevant for organizations relying on subscription models to protect their content.

For European organizations, especially media companies, publishers, and educational institutions using the Leaky Paywall plugin, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to premium or subscriber-only content, resulting in revenue loss and reputational damage. Confidential subscriber information and subscription management functions could also be exposed or manipulated, undermining data integrity and customer trust. The breach of paywall protections may encourage content piracy and reduce the effectiveness of monetization strategies. Additionally, unauthorized changes to subscription settings could disrupt service availability for legitimate users. Given the importance of digital content in Europe’s media landscape and the increasing reliance on subscription models, the impact extends beyond financial loss to potential regulatory scrutiny under GDPR if personal data is exposed. The absence of known exploits currently limits immediate widespread damage, but the vulnerability’s nature makes it a high-risk target for attackers seeking to bypass paywall restrictions.

Organizations should immediately audit their Leaky Paywall plugin configurations to ensure proper access control settings are enforced. Until an official patch is released, administrators should restrict access to the WordPress admin interface and sensitive paywall management pages using network-level controls such as IP whitelisting or VPN access. Implementing Web Application Firewalls (WAF) with custom rules to detect and block unauthorized access attempts can provide additional protection. Monitoring access logs for unusual patterns or unauthorized access attempts is critical to early detection. Organizations should subscribe to ZEEN101 security advisories and apply patches promptly once available. Additionally, consider isolating the paywall plugin functionality on dedicated subdomains or servers to minimize exposure. Regular security training for administrators on access control best practices and timely updates of all WordPress components will further reduce risk.