Critical WordPress Security Alert: Privilege Escalation Flaw in Uncanny Automator Plugin

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Introduction

A significant security flaw has been discovered in Uncanny Automator, a widely-used WordPress plugin with over 50,000 active installations. This vulnerability—tracked as CVE-2025-2075—allows even low-level users like subscribers to escalate their privileges to that of an administrator. In simpler terms, an attacker with minimal access to a WordPress site could gain full control over it if the site is using a vulnerable version of the plugin.

The exploit lies in how the plugin handles authorization within its REST API. The vulnerability was responsibly disclosed, and the developers have since released a patch. However, many websites might still be exposed if they haven’t updated to the latest version. In this article, we’ll break down the issue, its timeline, and what you can do to stay protected.

the Exploit: CVE-2025-2075

  • A privilege escalation vulnerability was found in Uncanny Automator, affecting versions up to 6.3.0.2.
  • The flaw allows authenticated users with even minimal privileges (subscriber level or higher) to gain administrator access.
  • The root cause lies in improper authorization checks in the plugin’s REST API endpoint, specifically within the validate_rest_call(), add_role(), and user_role() functions.
  • Attackers can use asynchronous REST API calls to alter user roles without proper permission validation.

– Once admin access is gained, attackers could:

– Install malicious plugins or themes with backdoors.

  • Modify site content, inject spam, or redirect visitors to phishing or malware sites.
  • The flaw is rated 8.8 (High) on the CVSS scale.

Timeline of Discovery and Response

  • March 4, 2025: Discovered by security researcher mikemyers via the Wordfence Bug Bounty Program.

– March 6: Wordfence validated the exploit.

  • March 7: Wordfence issued a firewall rule for Premium, Care, and Response users.

– March 11: Plugin developers were informed.

  • March 17: A partial patch (6.3.0.2) was released.
  • April 1: A full fix (version 6.4.0) was deployed.

– April 6: Wordfence Free users received protection.

Recommendations

  • Update immediately to Uncanny Automator v6.4.0 or later.

– If

– Premium protection began on March 7.

– Free users got protection from April 6.

  • Spread the word to help protect the broader WordPress community.
  • This event reinforces why routine plugin updates and reliable security plugins are critical in WordPress site maintenance.

What Undercode Say:

The vulnerability in Uncanny Automator is a textbook example of how seemingly small security oversights can have massive consequences in the WordPress ecosystem. Let’s break it down analytically.

1. How REST API Became the Attack Vector

REST APIs in WordPress are powerful tools—but also risky if improperly secured. In this case, insufficient capability checks meant any authenticated user could manipulate roles. This reflects a broader problem where plugins fail to fully validate user intentions before executing sensitive actions.

2. Privilege Escalation—The Real Danger

Most attackers can’t do much with a subscriber account. But once that account can be transformed into an admin account, the entire website becomes vulnerable. Attackers can:

– Deface the site

– Steal data

– Distribute malware

– Create persistent backdoors

This makes privilege escalation one of the most dangerous types of flaws.

3. Patch Responsiveness Was Fast—but Not Instant

The plugin developers did respond quickly, releasing a partial patch just 6 days after disclosure, and a full patch in under a month. However, every day between discovery and patching was an open window for exploitation.

4. Firewall Rule Deployment Was Strategic

Wordfence’s staged protection rollout (Premium first, Free later) reflects a common industry model. While it offers incentives for premium subscriptions, it also leaves free users vulnerable during critical early periods. This highlights the ongoing debate around “pay-for-security” ethics.

  1. Version Awareness Still Lacking in the WP Community
    Despite warnings, many site owners are unaware of plugin vulnerabilities—or rely too heavily on auto-updates. For a plugin with over 50,000 installs, even a 10% delay in updating can leave 5,000+ sites at risk.

6. CVE-2025-2075 Could Have Been Catastrophic at Scale

Imagine a coordinated botnet using this flaw to mass-compromise WordPress sites. The potential for widespread damage—SEO spam campaigns, phishing networks, ransomware payloads—was very real. Thankfully, it appears exploitation was limited.

7. Lessons Learned

  • Developers need to harden all endpoints, especially those that modify user roles or permissions.
  • Site admins must treat subscriber access as a potential attack foothold.
  • Community-driven platforms like WordPress thrive on shared responsibility—awareness campaigns, updates, and ethical disclosure are all essential.

8. Future Risk Mitigation

– Integrate Web Application Firewalls (WAF).

  • Use staging environments to test updates before deploying.
  • Monitor user role changes with activity log plugins.
  • Perform regular plugin audits to weed out abandoned or poorly maintained ones.

Fact Checker Results:

✅ Vulnerability confirmed as CVE-2025-2075 with CVSS score 8.8
✅ Affected versions: All up to 6.3.0.2, fully patched in 6.4.0
✅ Wordfence protections: Premium on March 7, Free on April 6

This case serves as a strong reminder that even trusted plugins can pose serious risks—keep your site safe, and always stay informed.

References:

Reported By: https://cyberpress.org/wordpress-privilege-escalation-vulnerability-allows-attackers/
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