Password Reset with Code <= 0.0.16 - Unauthenticated Privilege Escalation via Weak OTP Codes
Strategic Overview
- Status
- Patched in 0.0.17
- Affected Plugin
- Password Reset with Code for WordPress REST API
- Affected Version
<= 0.0.16- CVSS
- 8.1High
- Weakness type
- CWE-326 · Inadequate Encryption Strength
- CVE
CVE-2025-5305
At a glance
CVE-2025-5305 is a high-severity Inadequate Encryption Strength vulnerability in the Password Reset with Code for WordPress REST API WordPress plugin, affecting versions <= 0.0.16. It carries a CVSS score of 8.1 (reachable over the network; high confidentiality, integrity, availability impact). Exploitation requires no authentication. The issue is fixed in version 0.0.17; sites on affected versions should update now. Disclosed August 2025, reported by Tommaso Gregori.
Vulnerability Overview
The Password Reset with Code for WordPress REST API plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Privilege Escalation in all versions up to, and including, 0.0.16. This is due to the plugin not using cryptographically secure mechanisms for OTP generation This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to reset users, including administrators, passwords and leverage that to gain access to their accounts.
Technical Analysis
The vector marks this flaw as remotely reachable over the network, and no privileges on the target site, and no interaction from a victim user. A successful exploit has high impact on confidentiality, integrity, availability — full site compromise territory.
CWE-326: Inadequate Encryption Strength
The product stores or transmits sensitive data using an encryption scheme that is theoretically sound, but is not strong enough for the level of protection required.
Remediation
Update to version 0.0.17, or a newer patched version
How does WordSec protect against this?
This one needs no account at all, which puts it outside what login hardening can reach; WordSec's login security narrows the account-level paths around it, and the firewall is what inspects the request itself. None of that substitutes for the fix: Password Reset with Code for WordPress REST API 0.0.17 closes this, and updating the plugin is the step that ends it.
- Login Security
- Alerts
External References
Related records
Other vulnerabilities in Password Reset with Code for WordPress REST API
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