Loading vulnerability…
Unauthenticated RCE in Copypress Rest API WordPress Plugin
CVE-2025-8625 is a critical unauthenticated remote code execution vulnerability affecting the Copypress Rest API plugin for WordPress versions 1.1 through 1.2. The issue is a vulnerability chain involving two flaws: the plugin falls back to a hard-coded JWT signing key when no JWT secret is configured, allowing attackers to forge valid authentication tokens, and the copyreap_handle_image() function does not properly restrict or validate uploaded file types. By forging a JWT, an unauthenticated attacker can access protected API functionality and abuse the image handling/upload path to fetch and save an arbitrary file as an attachment, including a PHP script. Because the uploaded file is stored in a web-accessible location, the attacker can then request it through the web server and execute arbitrary code on the target WordPress site.
What it means and what to do now: patch path, interim mitigations, and the assume-compromise checklist.
What an attacker gets, and what they’ve been doing with it.
Successful exploitation allows unauthenticated attackers to achieve remote code execution on the affected WordPress server. In practical terms, this can result in full compromise of the WordPress site, including deployment of webshells or other malware, arbitrary modification of site content, theft of sensitive data available to the web application, establishment of persistence, and use of the compromised host as a pivot point for further activity.
If you can’t patch tonight, do this now.
Immediately disable the Copypress Rest API plugin on affected sites if patching is not possible. Ensure a unique, strong JWT secret is explicitly configured rather than relying on any default or fallback behavior. Block access to vulnerable REST endpoints where feasible, restrict upload functionality, and configure the web server so uploaded directories cannot execute PHP or other server-side scripts. Review uploaded media and attachment directories for unauthorized files, especially PHP webshells, and rotate credentials and secrets if compromise is suspected.
Patch, then assume compromise.
Upgrade the Copypress Rest API plugin to a fixed version if one is available from the vendor or WordPress ecosystem. The vulnerable behavior must be corrected by removing the hard-coded JWT fallback, requiring a securely configured secret for token validation, and enforcing strict server-side validation of uploaded content, including extension, MIME type, and content inspection, while preventing executable files from being stored in web-accessible locations. If no patched release is available, remove or disable the plugin.
1 valid exploit after Mallory filtered fakes, detection scripts, and README-only repos.
8 sources tracked across advisories, community write-ups, and news. New activity surfaces here as Mallory finds it.