CVE-2025-69016 is a missing authorization vulnerability found in the averta Shortcodes and extra features plugin for the Phlox WordPress theme, affecting versions up to 2.17.12. The vulnerability arises from incorrectly configured access control security levels, allowing users 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). Although the vulnerability does not compromise confidentiality or availability, it allows an attacker to modify or manipulate data or settings they should not have access to, potentially leading to defacement, unauthorized content changes, or other integrity violations. The vulnerability is rated medium severity with a CVSS 3.1 score of 4.3, reflecting the limited impact and the requirement for some level of privilege. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, and no official patches have been linked yet, indicating that organizations should be vigilant and prepare for remediation once available. The vulnerability is particularly relevant for websites using the Phlox theme with the averta Shortcodes plugin, commonly deployed in WordPress environments.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily to the integrity of their web content and configurations. Attackers with low-level access could alter website content, potentially damaging brand reputation, misleading users, or injecting malicious content indirectly. While confidentiality and availability are not directly impacted, integrity violations can lead to secondary effects such as loss of customer trust or regulatory scrutiny under GDPR if manipulated content results in misinformation or data mishandling. Organizations relying on the Phlox theme with averta Shortcodes for their public-facing websites or intranet portals are at risk, especially those with lower internal access controls or shared hosting environments. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability's presence in a popular WordPress theme component means it could be targeted in the future, especially as attackers often scan for missing authorization flaws. The impact is heightened in sectors with high web presence such as e-commerce, media, and public services within Europe.

European organizations should immediately audit their WordPress installations to identify the use of the Phlox theme with averta Shortcodes and extra features plugin, particularly versions up to 2.17.12. Until an official patch is released, restrict access permissions to only trusted users and administrators, minimizing the number of accounts with low-level privileges that could exploit this vulnerability. Implement strict role-based access controls (RBAC) and monitor logs for unusual changes or access patterns related to the plugin's features. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious requests targeting the vulnerable plugin endpoints. Regularly back up website data and configurations to enable rapid restoration in case of integrity compromise. Stay informed through vendor advisories and security bulletins for patch releases and apply updates promptly. Additionally, consider isolating critical web assets and using security plugins that enforce additional authorization checks to mitigate the risk until a patch is available.