CVE-2025-13972
CVE-2025-13972 is a medium-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 3.x base score of 4.9. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-22.
Key facts
- Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 4.9)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (36th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2025-203011
- Weakness: CWE-22
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
The WatchTowerHQ plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file read via the 'wht_download_big_object_origin' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 3.16.0. This is due to insufficient path validation in the handle_big_object_download_request function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with administrator-level access and a valid access token, to read arbitrary files on the server, which can contain sensitive information such as database credentials and authentication keys.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2025-13972?
- The WatchTowerHQ plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file read via the 'wht_download_big_object_origin' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 3.16.0. This is due to insufficient path validation in the handle_big_object_download_request function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with administrator-level access and a valid access token, to read arbitrary files on the server, which can contain sensitive information such as database credentials and authentication keys.
- How severe is CVE-2025-13972?
- CVE-2025-13972 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 4.9, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity none, and availability none.
- Is CVE-2025-13972 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (36th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- How do I fix CVE-2025-13972?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
- Does CVE-2025-13972 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2025-13972 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2025-203011.
- When was CVE-2025-13972 published?
- CVE-2025-13972 was published on 2025-12-12 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/watchtowerhq/tags/3.15.0/src/Download.php#L104
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/watchtowerhq/trunk/src/Download.php#L104
- https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/13fcbff8-8560-48ca-82df-8b620961d9c6?source=cve
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