CVE-2025-28965
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a Missing Authorization vulnerability in Md Yeasin Ul Haider's URL Shortener WordPress plugin that allows attackers to access functionality not properly constrained by access control lists (ACLs). Attackers can perform unauthorized actions that should require higher privileges. All WordPress sites using URL Shortener plugin versions up to 3.0.7 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress URL Shortener plugin by Md Yeasin Ul Haider
⚠️ 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 modify or delete all shortened URLs, manipulate redirects to malicious sites, or potentially gain administrative access to the WordPress site.
Likely Case
Unauthorized users can create, edit, or delete URL shortener entries, potentially redirecting legitimate traffic to phishing or malware sites.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls, only authorized administrators can manage URL shortener functionality, preventing unauthorized modifications.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires some level of access but doesn't require administrative privileges. The vulnerability is in access control mechanisms.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 3.0.8 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/plugin/exact-links/vulnerability/wordpress-url-shortener-3-0-7-broken-access-control-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'URL Shortener' plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available. 5. Alternatively, download version 3.0.8+ from WordPress repository and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable URL Shortener Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate url-shortener
Restrict Plugin Access via .htaccess
linuxAdd access restrictions to plugin directory
Order Deny,Allow
Deny from all
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove URL Shortener plugin completely and use alternative URL shortening solutions
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block suspicious requests to plugin endpoints
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel → Plugins → URL Shortener → View version details. If version is 3.0.7 or earlier, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get url-shortener --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify plugin version shows 3.0.8 or later in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized POST/PUT requests to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with action parameters related to URL shortener
- Multiple failed authorization attempts followed by successful URL shortener modifications
Network Indicators:
- Unusual traffic patterns to URL shortener admin endpoints from unauthorized IP addresses
- Suspicious redirects from shortened URLs
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND (uri_path="/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php") AND (action="*shortener*" OR action="*url_*" OR action="*link_*") AND user_role!="administrator"