CVE-2025-49906
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a Missing Authorization vulnerability in the StellarWP WPComplete plugin for WordPress that allows attackers to access functionality not properly constrained by access control lists. It affects all WordPress sites using WPComplete versions up to and including 2.9.5.3, potentially allowing unauthorized users to perform actions reserved for authenticated users.
💻 Affected Systems
- StellarWP WPComplete WordPress 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 modify course completion data, manipulate user progress tracking, or access administrative functions within the plugin, potentially compromising the integrity of educational or training platforms.
Likely Case
Unauthorized users could mark courses as complete for themselves or other users, bypassing intended learning requirements and compromising the validity of completion certificates.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and minimal user privileges, impact would be limited to the WPComplete plugin functionality only.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires understanding of WordPress REST API endpoints and plugin functionality, but no authentication is needed for vulnerable endpoints.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 2.9.5.3
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find WPComplete and click 'Update Now'. 4. Verify update to version after 2.9.5.3.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable WPComplete Plugin
WordPressTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patching is possible
wp plugin deactivate wpcomplete
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall rules to block unauthorized access to WPComplete REST API endpoints
- Restrict network access to WordPress admin interface using IP whitelisting
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Installed Plugins for WPComplete version 2.9.5.3 or earlierCheck Version:
wp plugin get wpcomplete --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify WPComplete version is greater than 2.9.5.3 in WordPress admin plugins list📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized POST/PUT requests to /wp-json/wpcomplete/* endpoints
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful WPComplete API calls
Network Indicators:
- Unusual traffic patterns to WPComplete REST API endpoints from unauthenticated sources
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND (uri_path="/wp-json/wpcomplete/*" AND http_method IN ("POST", "PUT", "DELETE") AND user="-")