A critical security flaw has been identified in the "Alone – Charity Multipurpose Non-profit WordPress Theme," tracked as CVE-2025-5394, with a CVSS score of 9.8. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files and execute remote code, leading to potential site takeovers. The flaw affects all versions of the plugin up to 7.8.3 and has been patched in version 7.8.5, released on June 16, 2025. Exploitation of this vulnerability began on July 12, prior to its public disclosure, indicating that threat actors may have been monitoring code changes for vulnerabilities.
The vulnerability is rooted in the "alone_import_pack_install_plugin()" function, which lacks a capability check, enabling attackers to deploy arbitrary plugins via AJAX. This has resulted in over 120,900 exploit attempts being blocked by Wordfence, originating from multiple IP addresses. Attackers have been observed uploading ZIP archives containing PHP-based backdoors to execute remote commands and create rogue administrator accounts.
WordPress site owners using the affected theme are urged to update to the latest version immediately. Additionally, they should check for suspicious admin users and scan logs for specific requests that may indicate exploitation attempts. This incident underscores the importance of timely updates and vigilant monitoring of web applications.
CVE-2025-5394 is a critical vulnerability in the "Alone – Charity Multipurpose Non-profit WordPress Theme" that allows unauthenticated users to upload arbitrary files and execute remote code. The flaw is due to a missing capability check in the "alone_import_pack_install_plugin()" function, enabling attackers to deploy plugins from remote sources via AJAX. This can lead to complete site takeovers, as attackers can upload backdoors and create unauthorized admin accounts.
The vulnerability has been actively exploited since July 12, with over 120,900 attempts blocked by Wordfence. Attackers have used this flaw to upload ZIP archives containing PHP-based backdoors, which facilitate remote command execution and further file uploads. The attacks have been traced back to several IP addresses, indicating a coordinated effort by threat actors.
Clients using the affected WordPress theme may face significant risks, including operational disruptions due to site takeovers and data breaches resulting from unauthorized access. Financial consequences could arise from downtime or loss of customer trust, while reputation damage may occur if sensitive information is compromised. Additionally, clients may encounter regulatory compliance issues if personal data is exposed or mishandled.
Compliance implications include potential audits or penalties if data protection regulations are violated due to unauthorized access or data breaches. Clients should assess their current security measures and ensure they align with relevant laws and regulations to mitigate these risks.
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2025-5394, clients should take the following actions:
By taking these steps, clients can reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation and enhance their overall security posture. Continuous monitoring and timely updates are crucial in maintaining a secure environment.
1898 & Co. is actively addressing the current threat landscape by offering specialized services to help clients mitigate emerging threats like CVE-2025-5394. Our team provides tailored security assessments and vulnerability management solutions to identify and remediate potential risks in web applications.
We have updated our security protocols to incorporate the latest threat intelligence and best practices for defending against similar vulnerabilities. Our collaborative efforts with industry allies and government agencies ensure that we stay informed about new threats and can provide timely guidance to our clients.
Our ongoing research and threat intelligence gathering activities enable us to offer proactive solutions that address both current and future cybersecurity challenges. We have successfully assisted clients in implementing robust security measures that prevent unauthorized access and protect sensitive data from compromise.