CVE-2025-4473
CVE-2025-4473 is a high-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8. 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-285.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 8.8)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (30th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2025-14372
- Weakness: CWE-285
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
The Frontend Dashboard plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Privilege Escalation due to a missing capability check on the ajax_request() function in versions 1.0 to 2.2.7. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to control where the plugin sends outgoing emails. By pointing SMTP to their own server, attackers could capture password reset emails intended for administrators, and elevate their privileges for full site takeover.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2025-4473?
- The Frontend Dashboard plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Privilege Escalation due to a missing capability check on the ajax_request() function in versions 1.0 to 2.2.7. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to control where the plugin sends outgoing emails. By pointing SMTP to their own server, attackers could capture password reset emails intended for administrators, and elevate their privileges for full site takeover.
- How severe is CVE-2025-4473?
- CVE-2025-4473 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2025-4473 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (30th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- How do I fix CVE-2025-4473?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- Does CVE-2025-4473 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2025-4473 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2025-14372.
- When was CVE-2025-4473 published?
- CVE-2025-4473 was published on 2025-05-13 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/frontend-dashboard/tags/2.2.7/includes/admin/function-admin.php#L3055
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/frontend-dashboard/tags/2.2.7/includes/admin/layout/settings_tab/email/class-fed-email.php#L122
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/frontend-dashboard/tags/2.2.7/route/class-fed-request.php#L35
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3290623/
- https://wordpress.org/plugins/frontend-dashboard/#developers
- https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/2f3a10b5-b024-4b3f-af67-b7fcb997d368?source=cve
Other CWE-285 (Improper Authorization) vulnerabilities
- CVE-2025-65041 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Improper authorization in Microsoft Partner Center allows an unauthorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.
- CVE-2023-33189 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Pomerium is an identity and context-aware access proxy. With specially crafted requests, incorrect authorization…
- CVE-2022-2595 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Improper Authorization in GitHub repository kromitgmbh/titra prior to 0.79.1.
- CVE-2021-28799 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): An improper authorization vulnerability has been reported to affect QNAP NAS running HBS 3 (Hybrid Backup Sync. ) If…
- CVE-2026-34048 — Critical (CVSS 9.9): Coolify is an open-source and self-hostable tool for managing servers, applications, and databases. Prior to…
- CVE-2026-5412 — Critical (CVSS 9.9): In Juju versions prior to 2.9.57 and 3.6.21, an authorization issue exists in the Controller facade. An authenticated…
Browse all CWE-285 (Improper Authorization) vulnerabilities →