CVE-2025-66124 identifies a missing authorization vulnerability in the ZEEN101 Leaky Paywall WordPress plugin, versions up to and including 4.22.5. This plugin is commonly used to manage subscription-based or paywalled content on WordPress sites. The vulnerability arises from incorrectly configured access control security levels, allowing unauthorized users to bypass restrictions intended to protect premium content. Specifically, the flaw enables remote attackers to access restricted content without any authentication or user interaction, as indicated by the CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N). The impact is limited to confidentiality, with no direct effect on data integrity or system availability. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the ease of exploitation and the nature of the vulnerability make it a significant risk for content providers relying on this plugin. The vulnerability was reserved in November 2025 and published in December 2025, with no patch links currently available, indicating that remediation may still be pending or in progress. Organizations using Leaky Paywall should monitor vendor communications closely and prepare to apply updates. Additionally, reviewing and tightening access control configurations can help mitigate risk until patches are deployed.

For European organizations, especially those in media, publishing, and subscription-based digital services, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized access to premium or restricted content. Exposure of such content can lead to revenue loss, as unauthorized users circumvent paywalls, and reputational damage due to perceived security weaknesses. Since the vulnerability does not affect data integrity or availability, operational disruption is unlikely; however, confidentiality breaches can undermine business models reliant on content exclusivity. The remote and unauthenticated nature of the exploit increases the attack surface, making it easier for threat actors to exploit without insider access or user interaction. Organizations with high-value content or sensitive subscriber data should consider this a moderate risk requiring timely mitigation. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate urgency but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits once the vulnerability becomes widely known.

1. Monitor ZEEN101 vendor channels and trusted security advisories for official patches addressing CVE-2025-66124 and apply them immediately upon release. 2. In the interim, audit and tighten access control settings within the Leaky Paywall plugin configuration to ensure that unauthorized users cannot bypass restrictions. 3. Implement web application firewalls (WAF) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious requests targeting paywall endpoints. 4. Conduct internal penetration testing focused on access control mechanisms of the paywall to identify and remediate potential bypasses. 5. Restrict administrative access to the WordPress backend and plugin settings to trusted personnel only, minimizing risk of misconfiguration. 6. Educate content management teams about the risks of misconfigured access controls and establish change management procedures for plugin updates and settings. 7. Consider temporary alternative paywall solutions or additional authentication layers if patching is delayed. 8. Maintain comprehensive logging and monitoring to detect unusual access patterns indicative of exploitation attempts.