What the vulnerability does
01Description
The Directorist: AI-Powered Business Directory Plugin with Classified Ads Listings plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to privilege escalation via account takeover in all versions up to, and including, 8.1. This is due to the directorist_generate_password_reset_pin_code() and reset_user_password() functions not having enough controls to prevent a successful brute force attack of the OTP to change a password, or verify that a password reset request came from an authorized user. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to generate and brute force an OTP that makes it possible to change any users passwords, including an administrator.
Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms
02Summary
Directorist versions 8.1 and earlier contain a vulnerability that allows an attacker to read sensitive data, modify site content, or disrupt service availability. The vulnerability requires complex network conditions to exploit but does not require authentication or user interaction. Site administrators should update to a version newer than 8.1 as soon as possible.
What an attacker can do
03Attacker Capabilities
Read sensitive data, modify site content, or cause the site to become unavailable.
Potential impact on your site
04Site Impact
Your site's data confidentiality, integrity, and availability are at risk without immediate patching.
Conditions required to exploit
05Prerequisites
Network access; no authentication or user interaction required, but exploitation requires specific technical conditions.
Key dates
06Disclosure timeline
February 28, 2025
CVE published
April 8, 2026
Record updated
