CVE-2025-13486
Published: 03 December 2025
Summary
CVE-2025-13486 is a critical-severity Code Injection (CWE-94) vulnerability in Wordpress (inferred from references). Its CVSS base score is 9.8 (Critical).
Operationally, exploitation aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK technique Exploit Public-Facing Application (T1190); ranked in the top 1.0% of CVEs by exploit likelihood; it is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.
The strongest mitigations our analysis identified are NIST 800-53 SI-10 (Information Input Validation) and SI-2 (Flaw Remediation).
Deeper analysis
The Advanced Custom Fields: Extended plugin for WordPress is affected by a remote code execution vulnerability in versions 0.9.0.5 through 0.9.1.1. The issue resides in the prepare_form() function, which accepts unsanitized user input and passes it directly to call_user_func_array(), enabling arbitrary code execution under CWE-94. The flaw carries a CVSS 3.1 score of 9.8 reflecting network-accessible, unauthenticated impact with high consequences for confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Unauthenticated attackers can exploit the vulnerability remotely without user interaction to run arbitrary PHP code on the hosting server. Successful exploitation allows injection of backdoors or creation of new administrative accounts, granting full control over the WordPress site and underlying system.
A fix is referenced in the WordPress plugin changeset 3400134, indicating an update has been published in the official repository, while Wordfence provides associated threat intelligence and detection guidance for the issue.
The EPSS score currently stands at 0.7789 with a recorded peak of 0.8152, indicating sustained and elevated exploitation interest following disclosure.
EU & UK References
- 🇪🇺 ENISA EUVD: EUVD-2025-200730
Vulnerability details
The Advanced Custom Fields: Extended plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Remote Code Execution in versions 0.9.0.5 through 0.9.1.1 via the prepare_form() function. This is due to the function accepting user input and then passing that through call_user_func_array(). This makes…
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it possible for unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on the server, which can be leveraged to inject backdoors or create new administrative user accounts.
- CWE(s)
Related Threats
MITRE ATT&CK Enterprise TechniquesAI
Why these techniques?
Unauthenticated remote code execution vulnerability in a public-facing WordPress plugin directly enables T1190: Exploit Public-Facing Application.
CVEs Like This One
Affected Assets
Mitigating Controls
Mitigating Controls (NIST 800-53 r5) AI
Directly enforces validation of unsanitized user input to the prepare_form() function before passing to call_user_func_array(), preventing arbitrary PHP code execution.
Mandates timely flaw remediation by patching the vulnerable Advanced Custom Fields: Extended plugin versions 0.9.0.5 through 0.9.1.1 as detailed in the provided mitigation changeset.
Vulnerability scanning identifies the presence of CVE-2025-13486 in installed WordPress plugins, enabling proactive remediation.