CVE-2025-8999 MEDIUM

CVE-2025-8999: Sydney <= 2.56 - Missing Authorization to Authenticated (Subscriber+) Limited Theme Options Update

Vendor Athemes
Product Sydney
Weakness CWE-862 · Missing authorization
Published September 17, 2025
Last update April 8, 2026
View on NVD All CVEs

CVSS base score

5.3/10
Attack vector Network
Attack complexity Low
Privileges required None
User interaction None
Confidentiality None
Integrity Low

CVSS vector

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

What the vulnerability does

01Description

The Sydney theme for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the 'activate_modules' function in all versions up to, and including, 2.56. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to activate or deactivate various theme modules.

Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms

02Summary

Sydney theme versions 2.56 and earlier lack proper authorization checks, allowing unauthenticated attackers to modify site content or settings. The vulnerability requires no user interaction and can be exploited remotely over the network. Site administrators should update to a version newer than 2.56 to prevent unauthorized changes.

What an attacker can do

03Attacker Capabilities

Modify site content or settings without authentication.

Potential impact on your site

04Site Impact

Attackers can alter your site's content, settings, or functionality without logging in.

Conditions required to exploit

05Prerequisites

Network access to the site; no authentication or user interaction required.

Key dates

06Disclosure timeline

September 17, 2025 CVE published
April 8, 2026 Record updated