CVE-2025-68087 identifies a Missing Authorization vulnerability in the merkulove Modalier plugin for Elementor, a popular WordPress page builder extension. The vulnerability arises from incorrect or absent access control checks within the plugin's code, allowing unauthorized users to perform actions that should be restricted. Specifically, the plugin versions up to and including 1.0.6 do not properly verify whether a user has the necessary permissions before executing certain functions, leading to potential privilege escalation or unauthorized data manipulation. This type of vulnerability is critical in web applications because it can be exploited without authentication or user interaction, depending on the context, enabling attackers to bypass security controls. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the widespread use of Elementor and its plugins in WordPress sites makes this a significant risk. The vulnerability was reserved and published in December 2025, but no CVSS score has been assigned, indicating that detailed impact metrics are not yet available. The lack of patches at the time of reporting means that affected sites remain vulnerable until updates are released or alternative mitigations are applied.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability could be substantial, especially for those relying on WordPress sites with the Modalier plugin installed. Unauthorized access could lead to data breaches, defacement, or unauthorized changes to website content, undermining trust and potentially exposing sensitive customer or business information. The integrity of web applications could be compromised, affecting service availability and reputation. Given the plugin’s role in enhancing user interface elements, attackers might manipulate modal dialogs or other UI components to inject malicious content or redirect users to phishing sites. This could also facilitate further attacks such as credential theft or malware distribution. Organizations in sectors like e-commerce, media, and public services that heavily depend on WordPress for their web presence are particularly at risk. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the vulnerability’s nature suggests it could be exploited with relative ease once a proof-of-concept is developed.

Organizations should immediately inventory their WordPress installations to identify the presence of the merkulove Modalier plugin and its version. Until an official patch is released, restrict access to WordPress administrative interfaces to trusted personnel only and enforce the principle of least privilege. Implement web application firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious requests targeting the Modalier plugin endpoints. Monitor logs for unusual activity indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unauthorized API calls or unexpected changes in modal content. Consider temporarily disabling the plugin if it is not critical to business operations. Engage with the vendor or community to obtain updates or patches promptly once available. Additionally, conduct security awareness training for site administrators about the risks of unauthorized access and the importance of timely updates. Employ multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all administrative accounts to reduce the risk of credential compromise facilitating exploitation.