CVE-2026-25023 is a security vulnerability identified in the mdedev WordPress plugin 'Run Contests, Raffles, and Giveaways with ContestsWP', specifically affecting versions up to and including 2.0.7. The flaw allows unauthorized actors to retrieve embedded sensitive system information, which is data that should remain confidential and protected from unauthorized access. This exposure occurs because the plugin’s contest-code-checker component does not adequately restrict access to sensitive data, potentially leaking system details that could include configuration data, internal identifiers, or other embedded secrets. Such information disclosure can facilitate further attacks, including targeted exploitation or reconnaissance by malicious actors. The vulnerability was reserved and published in early 2026, but no CVSS score has been assigned yet, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild. The plugin is used to manage contests and giveaways on WordPress websites, which are widely adopted for marketing and customer engagement. The lack of authentication or insufficient access controls in the affected plugin versions increases the risk of unauthorized data exposure. This vulnerability highlights the importance of securing third-party plugins that handle sensitive operations on websites.

For European organizations, the exposure of sensitive system information through this vulnerability can have several significant impacts. Confidential data leakage may lead to loss of customer trust, especially if personal or operational data is exposed. It can also provide attackers with valuable intelligence to craft more sophisticated attacks, such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. Organizations subject to GDPR and other data protection regulations face potential legal and financial penalties if sensitive data is compromised. Marketing and e-commerce sectors, which frequently use contest plugins to engage customers, are particularly at risk. The vulnerability could disrupt business operations if exploited, leading to reputational damage and potential downtime. Since the plugin is integrated into WordPress, a widely used CMS in Europe, the scope of affected systems is broad, increasing the potential scale of impact.

Organizations should immediately inventory their WordPress installations to identify the use of the mdedev 'Run Contests, Raffles, and Giveaways with ContestsWP' plugin. Until an official patch is released, restrict access to the plugin’s contest-code-checker functionality by implementing strict role-based access controls and IP whitelisting where possible. Disable or remove the plugin if it is not essential to reduce the attack surface. Monitor web server logs for unusual access patterns targeting contest-related endpoints. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) to detect and block unauthorized attempts to access sensitive plugin data. Once a patch is available, prioritize its deployment across all affected systems. Additionally, conduct security awareness training for administrators managing WordPress plugins to ensure timely updates and secure configurations. Regularly audit plugins for vulnerabilities and maintain an up-to-date inventory of third-party components.