CVE Alert: CVE-2025-9890 – mndpsingh287 – Theme Editor

Risk verdict

High risk: this CSRF-to-RCE flaw is severe, but no KEV or SSVC exploitation indicators are provided in the data; monitor for updates and treat as priority 1 if KEV or EPSS signals become available.

Why this matters

An unauthenticated attacker can trigger remote code execution by deceiving an administrator into performing a forged action. The impact can be full site compromise, data exposure, or persistence, especially on sites where admin actions control sensitive functionality.

Most likely attack path

Attack vector is network-based with no privileges required for the attacker, but user interaction is required. An attacker lures an administrator to click or approve a forged request, bypassing nonce checks due to CSRF weakness. If executed, code runs with the site’s administrator context, allowing lateral reach to plug-in file systems and site configuration.

Who is most exposed

Sites running older WordPress installations with this vulnerable plugin enabled are at risk, particularly small-to-medium deployments where administrators may be less vigilant about forged requests and where security controls are lighter.

Detection ideas

• Look for admin actions performed via forged requests lacking proper nonce validation.
• Anomalous POST/GET requests to sensitive admin endpoints from untrusted origins.
• Unusual, rapid sequences of admin actions post-user interaction.
• Logs showing attempts to access the affected page after clicking suspicious links.
• WAF/IPS alerts on known CSRF-to-RCE patterns or payloads targeting admin workflows.

Mitigation and prioritisation

• Patch or upgrade to non-vulnerable versions; if unavailable, disable the vulnerable functionality or the plugin.
• Enforce strict CSRF protections and nonce validation; review admin action workflows.
• Apply compensating controls: additional authentication for sensitive admin actions, network isolation, and robust change-management for plugin updates.
• Act as priority 1 if KEV is confirmed or EPSS ≥ 0.5; otherwise prioritise remediation within the next cycle and monitor for exploitation activity.