CVE-2025-66138 is a missing authorization vulnerability identified in the merkulove Motionger plugin for Elementor, a popular WordPress page builder extension. The flaw exists in versions up to and including 2.0.4 and stems from incorrectly configured access control security levels, allowing attackers with low privileges (PR:L) to bypass authorization checks. The vulnerability does not require user interaction (UI:N) and can be exploited remotely over the network (AV:N). Successful exploitation can lead to a complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H) of the affected WordPress site. This means attackers could potentially access sensitive data, modify content or configurations, and disrupt website operations. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.8, categorizing it as high severity. Although no exploits are currently known to be active in the wild, the ease of exploitation and the critical impact make it a significant threat. The vulnerability was reserved in November 2025 and published in January 2026, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. The lack of available patches at the time of reporting necessitates immediate attention to mitigate risk. Motionger for Elementor is used to enhance Elementor’s animation and motion capabilities, making it popular among WordPress users who require advanced visual effects on their websites.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a serious risk to websites using the Motionger plugin with Elementor, particularly those hosting sensitive customer data or critical business information. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized data disclosure, defacement, or denial of service, damaging brand reputation and causing operational disruptions. E-commerce platforms, government portals, and media companies relying on WordPress with this plugin are especially vulnerable. The broad impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability could result in regulatory non-compliance under GDPR if personal data is exposed. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged as a foothold for further network intrusion or lateral movement within an organization’s IT infrastructure. The lack of user interaction and low privilege requirements increase the likelihood of exploitation, making timely mitigation essential to prevent potential breaches.

1. Monitor official merkulove and Elementor channels for security patches addressing CVE-2025-66138 and apply updates immediately upon release. 2. Until patches are available, restrict access to the WordPress admin dashboard and plugin functionalities using IP whitelisting or VPN access to limit exposure. 3. Implement strict role-based access controls in WordPress to minimize the number of users with privileges that could be exploited. 4. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious requests targeting Motionger plugin endpoints. 5. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability scans focusing on WordPress plugins to identify and remediate insecure configurations. 6. Enable detailed logging and monitor for unusual activity related to plugin usage or privilege escalation attempts. 7. Educate site administrators about the risks of installing unverified plugins and the importance of timely updates. 8. Consider temporarily disabling the Motionger plugin if it is not critical to website functionality until a secure version is available.