CVE-2025-54743
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a Missing Authorization vulnerability in the WordPress Download After Email plugin that allows unauthorized users to bypass access controls and download protected files. It affects all WordPress sites using vulnerable versions of this plugin where protected downloads are configured.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress Download After Email 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
Unauthorized users could download sensitive files intended only for authenticated users or specific user roles, potentially exposing confidential data.
Likely Case
Attackers could access protected downloads without proper authorization, compromising the intended access control mechanisms.
If Mitigated
With proper network segmentation and access controls, impact would be limited to the specific plugin functionality.
🎯 Exploit Status
Missing authorization vulnerabilities typically require minimal technical skill to exploit once the attack vector is identified.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Versions after 2.1.6
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel
2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins
3. Find 'Download After Email'
4. Click 'Update Now' if available
5. If no update available, deactivate and remove the plugin
6. Install latest version from WordPress repository
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable plugin
allTemporarily disable the Download After Email plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate download-after-email
Implement web application firewall rules
allBlock access to download-after-email plugin endpoints
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement network-level access controls to restrict access to WordPress admin and plugin directories
- Monitor for unauthorized download attempts and implement additional authentication layers for protected content
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel → Plugins → Installed Plugins for Download After Email versionCheck Version:
wp plugin get download-after-email --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is greater than 2.1.6 and test protected download functionality with unauthorized user accounts📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized access attempts to download-after-email endpoints
- Multiple failed authorization attempts followed by successful downloads
Network Indicators:
- Unusual download patterns from unauthenticated IP addresses
- Requests bypassing expected authentication flows
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND ("download-after-email" OR "download_after_email") AND ("unauthorized" OR "403" OR "bypass")