WP Directory Kit: Incorrect Implementation of Authentication Algorithm
CVE-2025-13390 is a critical-severity incorrect implementation of authentication algorithm vulnerability in WP Directory Kit from Listingthemes, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected WP Directory Kit versions: 1.4.0 through 1.4.4. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 4.68% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is in the top 8.07% of all scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of WP Directory Kit you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listingthemes | WP Directory Kit | 1.4.0 through 1.4.4 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 10.0 | Critical | CNA (wordfence.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
Official description
The WP Directory Kit plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to authentication bypass in all versions up to, and including, 1.4.4 due to incorrect implementation of the authentication algorithm in the "wdk_generate_auto_login_link" function. This is due to the feature using a cryptographically weak token generation mechanism. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to gain administrative access and achieve full site takeover via the auto-login endpoint with a predictable token.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Incorrect Implementation of Authentication Algorithm
The requirements for the product dictate the use of an established authentication algorithm, but the implementation of the algorithm is incorrect.
More Incorrect Implementation of Authentication Algorithm vulnerabilities (CWE-303)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Third-party and government advisories
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- github.com/d0n601/CVE-2025-13390Exploit, Third Party Advisory
- ryankozak.com/posts/cve-2025-13390/Exploit
Other vulnerabilities in WP Directory Kit
- 8.8 High severity
Recent Incorrect Implementation of Authentication Algorithm vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
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