CVE-2025-22541 - How Missing Authorization in WP Delete Post Copies Plugin Lets Attackers Delete Your Posts

If you run a WordPress website, plugins make your site powerful—but they can also make your site vulnerable if not well-designed. Recently, a serious security vulnerability was found in the WP Delete Post Copies plugin by Etruel Developments LLC. Discovered under CVE-2025-22541, this flaw can allow attackers to wipe out your posts with just a few simple requests.

In this article, I’ll break down what this vulnerability is, how it can be exploited, and what you should do if you’re using this plugin. We’ll look at some code samples, go step by step through how the attack works, and link to important references for more in-depth reading.

What is CVE-2025-22541?

CVE-2025-22541 is a Missing Authorization vulnerability affecting the WP Delete Post Copies plugin for WordPress, from the initial release up to (and including) version 5.5. The core issue is that the plugin fails to check the user’s permissions before allowing them to perform actions that delete posts.

This means if your site has the plugin active, an attacker—without any special privileges—could potentially send a simple HTTP request and force your site to delete posts.

How Does the Vulnerability Work?

Normally, when plugins perform sensitive actions like deleting posts, they should check if the user is logged in and has the proper access (e.g., is an editor or admin). In WP Delete Post Copies, these checks are missing.

This is an example of an endpoint that should be protected, but isn’t

// Hypothetical vulnerable code from the plugin:
add_action('wp_ajax_delete_post_copies', 'wdpc_handle_delete_post_copies');
function wdpc_handle_delete_post_copies(){
    $post_id = intval($_POST['post_id']);
    // SHOULD check: if current_user_can('delete_posts'), etc.
    // But plugin misses this!
    wp_delete_post($post_id, true);
    echo "Deleted.";
    exit;
}

How to Exploit the Vulnerability

An attacker can POST to the vulnerable AJAX endpoint even without being logged in (depending on how the plugin registers the action handler).

Example exploit with curl

curl -X POST -d "post_id=123" https://victim-website.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=delete_post_copies

- If the plugin doesn’t restrict the delete_post_copies action to logged-in users or required roles, post 123 gets deleted immediately, no questions asked.

*Attackers can enumerate post IDs and wipe out your entire post collection with a shell script in seconds.*

Unauthenticated attackers can destroy key content and disrupt your business.

- Websites with user uploads, collaborative posts, or publicly available post IDs (common in blogs) are most exposed.

Temporary Fix

If you must keep using the plugin, you can manually add a capability check to the vulnerable function (not a permanent solution):

function wdpc_handle_delete_post_copies(){
    if(!current_user_can('delete_posts')){
        wp_die('Not allowed.');
    }
    $post_id = intval($_POST['post_id']);
    wp_delete_post($post_id, true);
    echo "Deleted.";
    exit;
}

*Do not edit core plugin files unless you are confident in your skills—wait for an official fix!*

References

- WP Delete Post Copies Official Plugin Page
- CVE Official Record for CVE-2025-22541
- WordPress Documentation: Proper AJAX Authorization

Conclusion

CVE-2025-22541 is a powerful example of why authorization checks are essential in all plugin code—especially when dealing with destructive actions like post deletion. If you use plugins like WP Delete Post Copies, always keep them updated, and review their code or changelogs for recent fixes. Plugins should never trust user requests blindly.

Stay secure, regularly update your software, and don’t ignore missing authorization errors—they may be an open door for attackers.


*For the latest updates about this and other WordPress vulnerabilities, keep an eye on the official plugin repository and security mailing lists.*

Timeline

Published on: 01/07/2025 16:15:49 UTC