CVE-2025-11748
📋 TL;DR
The Groups plugin for WordPress has an Insecure Direct Object Reference vulnerability that allows authenticated attackers with Subscriber-level access or higher to register for groups they shouldn't have access to. This occurs because the 'group_id' parameter in the group_join function lacks proper validation, enabling attackers to manipulate group membership.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress Groups plugin
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could join restricted groups containing sensitive information or administrative privileges, potentially escalating their access within the WordPress site.
Likely Case
Unauthorized users gain access to private group content, discussions, or resources intended for specific members only.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and validation, attackers would be prevented from manipulating group IDs and joining unauthorized groups.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access and knowledge of valid group IDs to manipulate.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 3.7.1 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset?sfp_email=&sfph_mail=&reponame=&old=3387846%40groups&new=3387846%40groups&sfp_email=&sfph_mail=
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find Groups plugin and click 'Update Now' if available. 4. Alternatively, download version 3.7.1+ from WordPress plugin repository and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable shortcode
allRemove or disable the affected shortcode that uses the group_join function until patching is possible.
Edit WordPress pages/posts to remove [groups_join] shortcode usage
Restrict user registration
allTemporarily disable new user registration or restrict Subscriber role creation.
In WordPress Settings > General, uncheck 'Anyone can register'
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable the Groups plugin entirely until patching is possible
- Implement web application firewall rules to block manipulation of group_id parameter
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Groups plugin version. If version is 3.7.0 or lower, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin list --name=groups --field=version (if WP-CLI installed)Verify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify Groups plugin version shows 3.7.1 or higher in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual group membership changes
- Multiple group join attempts from single user accounts
- Group ID parameter manipulation in POST requests
Network Indicators:
- HTTP POST requests to WordPress containing manipulated group_id parameters
- Unusual traffic to group-related endpoints
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress" AND (uri_path="/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php" OR uri_path CONTAINS "groups") AND (http_method="POST" AND query_string CONTAINS "group_id")🔗 References
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/groups/trunk/lib/views/class-groups-shortcodes.php
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset?sfp_email=&sfph_mail=&reponame=&old=3387846%40groups&new=3387846%40groups&sfp_email=&sfph_mail=
- https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/d0f6d28a-d5ca-4700-bc61-f2dd20f06fcf?source=cve
