CVE-2026-25370 identifies a missing authorization vulnerability in the WP Compress plugin developed by AresIT, which is used for image optimization within WordPress environments. The vulnerability arises from incorrectly configured access control security levels, allowing unauthorized users to perform actions that should be restricted. This could include manipulating image optimization settings, accessing or modifying media files, or potentially escalating privileges within the WordPress site. The affected versions include all releases up to and including 6.60.28, with no specific version range provided prior to that. The vulnerability was reserved in early February 2026 and published later that month, but no CVSS score has been assigned yet, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild. The absence of proper authorization checks means that attackers do not need valid credentials or user interaction to exploit the flaw, increasing the risk of automated or remote attacks. Since WP Compress is a popular plugin for managing image optimization, exploitation could lead to unauthorized content manipulation, defacement, or disruption of website functionality. The vulnerability primarily impacts the confidentiality and integrity of website assets, with potential secondary effects on availability if attackers disrupt image processing workflows. The technical details do not specify the exact access control mechanisms affected, but the core issue is the failure to enforce proper authorization policies within the plugin's operations.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2026-25370 could be significant, especially for those that rely on WordPress as a primary content management system and use WP Compress for image optimization. Unauthorized access could lead to manipulation or deletion of media assets, defacement of websites, or unauthorized changes to optimization settings that degrade website performance or user experience. This could damage brand reputation, reduce customer trust, and potentially lead to data leakage if sensitive images are exposed or altered. Additionally, compromised websites might be used as vectors for further attacks, including malware distribution or phishing campaigns targeting European users. The disruption of image optimization workflows could also affect website availability and loading times, impacting e-commerce and digital services. Given the widespread use of WordPress across Europe, the vulnerability poses a broad risk, particularly to sectors such as e-commerce, media, government, and education that maintain public-facing websites. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the ease of exploitation due to missing authorization controls elevates the threat level.

European organizations should immediately audit their WordPress installations to identify the presence and version of the WP Compress plugin. Until a patch is released by AresIT, administrators should restrict access to plugin management functions strictly to trusted users with administrative privileges. Implementing web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block unauthorized requests targeting WP Compress endpoints can provide an additional layer of defense. Monitoring logs for unusual access patterns or unauthorized attempts to modify plugin settings is critical. Organizations should also consider temporarily disabling the WP Compress plugin if image optimization is not critical or if alternative solutions are available. Keeping WordPress core and all plugins updated is essential; organizations must track AresIT’s communications for any forthcoming patches addressing this vulnerability. Furthermore, applying the principle of least privilege to WordPress user roles and regularly reviewing user permissions can reduce the attack surface. Finally, conducting penetration testing focused on plugin authorization controls can help identify similar weaknesses proactively.