CVE-2025-4797
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to log in as any WordPress user, including administrators, by exploiting improper identity validation in the Golo theme's authorization cookie handling. All WordPress sites using Golo theme versions up to 1.7.0 are affected. Attackers only need to know a user's email address to take over their account.
💻 Affected Systems
- Golo - City Travel Guide WordPress Theme
⚠️ 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
Complete site compromise where attackers gain administrative access, install backdoors, steal sensitive data, deface the site, or use it for further attacks.
Likely Case
Attackers compromise administrator accounts to install malware, create backdoor users, or steal sensitive user data and credentials.
If Mitigated
If detected early, impact is limited to temporary unauthorized access that can be revoked through password resets and session termination.
🎯 Exploit Status
The vulnerability is straightforward to exploit with only an email address required. No authentication or special privileges needed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version 1.7.1 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://themeforest.net/item/golo-directory-listing-travel-wordpress-theme/25397810
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Check if Golo theme update is available. 4. Update to version 1.7.1 or later. 5. Clear any caching plugins or CDN caches.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Golo Theme
allTemporarily switch to a default WordPress theme until patched
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
Block Unauthorized Cookie Requests
allAdd WAF rule to block suspicious authorization cookie requests
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Immediately disable the Golo theme and switch to a secure alternative theme
- Implement IP whitelisting for WordPress admin access and monitor for unauthorized login attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes > Golo theme details for version number. If version is 1.7.0 or lower, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp theme list --name=golo --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify Golo theme version shows 1.7.1 or higher in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful login from same IP
- User login from unusual IP/location
- Administrator account login from new device/IP
Network Indicators:
- HTTP POST requests to WordPress login endpoints with suspicious cookie parameters
- Unusual authentication requests to wp-admin or xmlrpc.php
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND ("authentication cookie" OR "set_auth_cookie") AND status=200 AND user_agent NOT IN ["normal_user_agents"]