CVE-2025-53343

Vulnerability

Overview CVE-2025-53343 is a missing authorization vulnerability in the GoodLayers Modernize WordPress theme, affecting versions up to and including 3.4.0. The issue stems from incorrectly configured access control security levels, which fail to properly enforce authorization checks for certain functions. This broken access control flaw can be exploited by unauthenticated or low-privilege users to perform actions that should require higher privileges [1].

Exploitation

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability without needing prior authentication, as the missing authorization check allows direct access to protected functionality. The attack surface is broad because the theme is widely used, and the vulnerability is known to be leveraged in mass-exploit campaigns targeting thousands of websites regardless of their size or popularity [1].

Impact

Successful exploitation enables an attacker to execute higher-privileged actions, such as modifying theme settings, accessing sensitive data, or performing other administrative operations. This can lead to website defacement, data theft, or further compromise of the WordPress installation [1].

Mitigation

As of the publication date, the Modernize theme has not received a security update for over a year, and no patch is expected. The recommended action is to remove and replace the theme with a supported alternative. Deactivating the theme does not eliminate the security risk unless a mitigation rule (e.g., from Patchstack) is deployed [1].