CVE-2025-69298
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a missing authorization vulnerability in the GhostPool Gauge WordPress theme that allows attackers to bypass access controls. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 6.56.4, potentially allowing unauthorized access to restricted functionality or data.
💻 Affected Systems
- GhostPool Gauge 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
Attackers could gain administrative privileges, modify site content, steal sensitive data, or install backdoors on vulnerable WordPress installations.
Likely Case
Unauthorized users accessing restricted theme functionality, potentially modifying theme settings or accessing user data.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper WordPress hardening, role-based access controls, and security plugins in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires some WordPress knowledge but is technically simple once the vulnerability vector is identified.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 6.56.4
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/Wordpress/Theme/gauge/vulnerability/wordpress-gauge-theme-6-56-4-broken-access-control-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel
2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes
3. Check for Gauge theme updates
4. Update to latest version
5. Clear WordPress cache if applicable
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable theme
allSwitch to a different WordPress theme until patch can be applied
wp theme activate twentytwentyfour
wp theme deactivate gauge
Restrict theme access
allUse WordPress security plugins to restrict access to theme functionality
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict role-based access controls using WordPress security plugins
- Monitor for unauthorized access attempts and theme-related activity in logs
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes for Gauge theme version 6.56.4 or earlierCheck Version:
wp theme list --field=name,status,version | grep gaugeVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Gauge theme version is greater than 6.56.4 in WordPress admin📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized access to theme admin pages
- Unexpected theme setting changes
- Failed authorization attempts to theme endpoints
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests to theme-specific admin endpoints from unauthorized IPs
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress" AND (uri_path="/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php" OR uri_path CONTAINS "gauge") AND status_code=200 AND user_role!="administrator"