CVE-2025-7038 is a high-severity authentication bypass vulnerability affecting the LatePoint plugin for WordPress, a widely used calendar booking system for appointments and events. The vulnerability arises from insufficient identity verification in the AJAX endpoint latepoint_route_call, specifically within the steps__load_step route. This endpoint processes client-supplied customer email and related fields and then invokes an internal login handler without performing essential security checks such as verifying if the user is already logged in, capability checks, or validating a proper AJAX nonce. As a result, an unauthenticated attacker can exploit this flaw to log into any customer's account without needing credentials or user interaction. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 5.1.94 of the LatePoint plugin. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.2, reflecting a network attack vector with low attack complexity, no privileges required, and no user interaction needed. The impact on confidentiality is high since attackers can access sensitive customer data, while integrity impact is low and availability is unaffected. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the ease of exploitation and the critical nature of the flaw make it a significant threat. This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-288, which involves authentication bypass using alternate paths or channels, highlighting a design weakness in the plugin's authentication logic that fails to properly validate requests before granting access.

For European organizations using WordPress websites with the LatePoint plugin, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk to customer data confidentiality. Attackers can impersonate any customer, potentially accessing personal information, appointment details, and other sensitive data managed through the plugin. This could lead to privacy violations under GDPR, resulting in regulatory penalties and reputational damage. Additionally, unauthorized access to customer accounts may facilitate further attacks such as social engineering, fraud, or lateral movement within the organization's infrastructure if integrated with other systems. The integrity of customer data is somewhat at risk, though the vulnerability primarily compromises confidentiality. Availability is not directly impacted. Organizations relying on LatePoint for appointment scheduling, especially in sectors like healthcare, legal services, or financial consulting, where sensitive client data is handled, face heightened risks. The lack of required authentication and user interaction means attackers can automate exploitation remotely, increasing the threat level. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for mitigation before widespread attacks occur.

Immediate mitigation steps include updating the LatePoint plugin to a patched version once released by the vendor. Until a patch is available, organizations should implement compensating controls such as restricting access to the AJAX endpoint via web application firewall (WAF) rules that block unauthenticated requests to latepoint_route_call or limit access by IP address. Monitoring web server logs for unusual access patterns to this endpoint can help detect exploitation attempts. Administrators should also enforce strict WordPress security best practices, including limiting plugin installations to trusted sources, regularly auditing user accounts, and employing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for administrative access. If feasible, temporarily disabling the LatePoint plugin or replacing it with alternative booking solutions can reduce exposure. Additionally, organizations should review and tighten WordPress AJAX endpoint permissions and ensure that all AJAX calls require valid nonces and capability checks to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Conducting a thorough security assessment of the website and associated systems to identify any signs of compromise is recommended.