Hackers Exploit Severe Vulnerability in WordPress Theme, Compromising Numerous Sites
On July 31, 2025, reports surfaced detailing a critical security vulnerability in the “Alone – Charity Multipurpose Non-profit WordPress Theme,” which has become a focal point for cybercriminals. This flaw, identified as CVE-2025-5394, has garnered an alarming CVSS score of 9.8, indicating its potential for severe impact. It was responsibly disclosed by security researcher Thái An, emphasizing the growing threats posed to website security.
The vulnerability affects all iterations of the theme’s associated plugin prior to version 7.8.3, with a fix implemented in version 7.8.5 released on June 16, 2025. According to the cybersecurity firm Wordfence, this exploit hinges on a function called “alone_import_pack_install_plugin()” that lacks necessary capability checks. As a result, unauthenticated attackers are able to upload arbitrary plugins directly from remote sources using AJAX, enabling them to execute malicious code on compromised sites.
This critical oversight allows malicious actors to gain significant control over vulnerable WordPress sites. Once exploited, attackers can not only hijack these sites but also manipulate them for various purposes, including data theft or further infiltrating other connected systems. Such vulnerabilities pose a formidable risk, particularly to non-profit organizations and charities that may lack robust cybersecurity measures.
The primary targets of this exploit are WordPress sites that utilize the affected theme, which can span a wide array of sectors, including education, healthcare, and social services. The nature of the exploit suggests that many non-profit organizations in the United States could be at risk, given their reliance on this theme for web presence.
In examining the tactics and techniques potentially employed by the attackers, the MITRE ATT&CK Matrix provides useful insights. The initial access methodology here is likely the exploitation of a major software flaw, granting adversaries the ability to gain a foothold in the system. Furthermore, through remote code execution, attackers could establish persistence within the system, allowing for sustained access and control over time.
As incidents like this continue to emerge, business owners and web administrators are urged to remain vigilant. It is essential to regularly update plugins and themes, monitor site activity, and implement comprehensive security solutions to mitigate the risk of exploitation. The rapid evolving landscape of cyber threats underscores the necessity of proactive measures to safeguard online assets against such vulnerabilities.
As the cybersecurity landscape broadens, the repercussions of such vulnerabilities demand attention and prompt action from all stakeholders involved in website management and digital infrastructure.
