CVE-2025-2807
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated WordPress users with Subscriber-level access or higher to install and activate arbitrary plugins on sites running the vulnerable Motors plugin. Attackers can leverage this to achieve remote code execution by installing malicious plugins. All WordPress sites using Motors plugin versions up to 1.4.64 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Motors - Car Dealership & Classified Listings Plugin for WordPress
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full server compromise through remote code execution via malicious plugin installation, leading to data theft, site defacement, or ransomware deployment.
Likely Case
Attackers install backdoor plugins to maintain persistent access, steal sensitive data, or use the site for phishing/malware distribution.
If Mitigated
Limited to authenticated user compromise if proper access controls and monitoring are in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access but is straightforward once authenticated. The vulnerability is in a publicly accessible AJAX endpoint.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.4.65
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find Motors plugin and click 'Update Now'. 4. Verify version is 1.4.65 or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable AJAX endpoint
allRemove or restrict access to the vulnerable mvl_setup_wizard_install_plugin() function
Edit wp-content/plugins/motors-car-dealership-classified-listings/includes/admin/setup-wizard/includes/ajax_actions.php and comment out or remove the vulnerable function
Restrict user capabilities
allTemporarily remove plugin installation capabilities from Subscriber and other low-privilege roles
Use WordPress role management plugin or add code to functions.php to remove 'install_plugins' capability from affected roles
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Immediately disable the Motors plugin completely until patched
- Implement strict network access controls and monitor for suspicious plugin installation activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Installed Plugins for Motors plugin version 1.4.64 or lowerCheck Version:
wp plugin list --name=motors-car-dealership-classified-listings --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Motors plugin version is 1.4.65 or higher in WordPress admin📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- WordPress logs showing plugin installations from non-admin users
- Unexpected plugin activation events in audit logs
Network Indicators:
- HTTP POST requests to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with action=mvl_setup_wizard_install_plugin
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress" AND (event="plugin_install" OR event="plugin_activate") AND user_role!="administrator"