Auth bypass in Siteground Speed Optimizer
CVE-2019-25217
The SiteGround Optimizer plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to authorization bypass leading to Remote Code Execution and Local File Inclusion in versions up to, and including, 5.0.12 due to incorrect use of an access control attribute on the switch_php function called via the /switch-php REST API route. This allows attackers to include and execute arbitrary files on the server, allowing the execution of any PHP code in those files. This can be used to bypass access controls, obtain sensitive data, or achieve code execution in cases where images and other “safe” file types can be uploaded and included.
Vulnerability class: Broken Access Control
EPSS: 0.009 (54.5th percentile) — read the EPSS interpretation.
CVSS v3 metric
CVSS v3 base score 9.8 (Critical). Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H.
Affected products
Weakness classification (CWE)
Public proof-of-concept exploits
References
- security@wordfence.com (Third Party Advisory)
- security@wordfence.com (Technical Description, Press/Media Coverage)
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2019-25217?
- CVE-2019-25217 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Siteground Speed Optimizer, classified under Missing Authorization. CVSS score: 9.8/10. Published 2024-10-16.
- How severe is CVE-2019-25217?
- Critical severity. CVSS v3 base score is 9.8 out of 10.
- Is CVE-2019-25217 known to be exploited?
- 2 public proof-of-concept repositories are indexed. Not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.