CVE-2025-69016 identifies a missing authorization vulnerability in the averta Shortcodes and extra features plugin for the Phlox WordPress theme, affecting versions up to 2.17.12. This vulnerability arises from incorrectly configured access control security levels, allowing an attacker with low privileges (PR:L) to perform unauthorized actions that impact the integrity of the system. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), requiring no user interaction (UI:N), and the scope remains unchanged (S:U). While confidentiality and availability are not impacted, the integrity of the affected WordPress site can be compromised, potentially allowing unauthorized modifications to content or settings. The vulnerability is classified as medium severity with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 4.3. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, and no official patches were listed at the time of publication. The vulnerability specifically targets the averta Shortcodes and extra features for the Phlox theme, a popular WordPress theme used for building websites with enhanced shortcode functionalities. The root cause is the absence or misconfiguration of authorization checks, which should restrict access to certain administrative or privileged functions within the theme's shortcode features. Exploiting this flaw could allow an attacker with limited access to escalate their privileges or manipulate site content, undermining the integrity of the website. Since WordPress is widely used across Europe, and the Phlox theme has a notable user base, this vulnerability poses a tangible risk to organizations relying on these components for their web presence.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-69016 primarily concerns the integrity of their web assets running the Phlox theme with averta shortcodes. Unauthorized modifications could lead to defacement, insertion of malicious content, or manipulation of website functionality, potentially damaging brand reputation and user trust. Although confidentiality and availability are not directly affected, integrity breaches can indirectly facilitate further attacks or data exposure. Organizations in sectors with high reliance on web presence, such as e-commerce, media, and government services, may face operational disruptions and reputational harm. The medium CVSS score reflects a moderate risk, but the ease of exploitation by low-privileged attackers increases the urgency for mitigation. Since no known exploits are currently active, proactive remediation can effectively reduce risk. European entities with limited security monitoring or outdated WordPress components are particularly vulnerable to exploitation attempts.

1. Monitor for official patches or updates from the averta plugin and Phlox theme developers and apply them promptly once available. 2. Conduct a thorough review of access control configurations within the WordPress admin panel, specifically focusing on the averta Shortcodes and extra features plugin settings. 3. Restrict plugin and theme management capabilities to trusted administrators only, minimizing the number of users with low privileges who could exploit this flaw. 4. Implement web application firewalls (WAF) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious requests targeting shortcode functionalities. 5. Regularly audit WordPress user roles and permissions to ensure least privilege principles are enforced. 6. Employ security plugins that monitor file integrity and alert on unauthorized changes to theme or plugin files. 7. Educate site administrators on recognizing signs of compromise related to unauthorized content changes or configuration modifications. 8. Maintain up-to-date backups of website data and configurations to enable rapid recovery in case of exploitation.