CVE-2025-49401 CRITICAL

CVE-2025-49401: WordPress smart SEO Plugin <= 4.0 - Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

Vendor Axiomthemes
Product smart SEO
Weakness CWE-266
Published September 5, 2025
Last update April 28, 2026
View on NVD All CVEs

CVSS base score

9.8/10
Attack vector Network
Attack complexity Low
Privileges required None
User interaction None
Confidentiality High
Integrity High

CVSS vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

What the vulnerability does

01Description

Incorrect Privilege Assignment vulnerability in axiomthemes smart SEO smartSEO allows Privilege Escalation.This issue affects smart SEO: from n/a through <= 4.0.

Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms

02Summary

Smart SEO versions 4.0 and earlier contain a critical vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to read sensitive data, modify site content, or disrupt service without any user interaction. The vulnerability stems from improper privilege controls (CWE-266) and affects all versions from release. Site administrators should update immediately to a version newer than 4.0.

What an attacker can do

03Attacker Capabilities

Read sensitive data, modify site content, or disable the site without authentication.

Potential impact on your site

04Site Impact

Your site's data, content, and availability are at immediate risk from any internet user.

Conditions required to exploit

05Prerequisites

Network access only; no authentication or user interaction required.

Key dates

06Disclosure timeline

September 5, 2025 CVE published
April 28, 2026 Record updated