SiteGround Optimizer <= 5.0.12 - Missing Authorization
Key facts
- Attack vector
- Network
- Privileges required
- None
- User interaction
- None
- Attack complexity
- Low
- Impact type
- Security bypass
- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
- High · High · High
- Fix status
- Fixed
Attack profile from CVSS 3.1 · CNA. Fix status from CNA. Impact type from CWE-862.
Summary
The SiteGround Optimizer plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to authorization bypass leading to Remote Code Execution and Local File Inclusion in versions up to, and including, 5.0.12 due to incorrect use of an access control attribute on the switch_php function called via the /switch-php REST API route. This allows attackers to include and execute arbitrary files on the server, allowing the execution of any PHP code in those files. This can be used to bypass access controls, obtain sensitive data, or achieve code execution in cases where images and other “safe” file types can be uploaded and included.
Why it matters now
SSVC decision points
CISA ADP · SSVC 2.0.3
- Exploitation
- None
- Automatable
- Yes
- Technical impact
- Total
The decision (Track, Attend, Act) also depends on your mission and well-being impact; see CISA's SSVC guide.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SiteGround | Speed Optimizer – The All-In-One Performance-Boosting Plugin | before 5.0.13 | 5.0.13 | Patch available | CNA |
- Speed Optimizer – The All-In-One Performance-Boosting Plugin VendorSiteGround Affected before 5.0.13 Fixed in 5.0.13 Patch available CNA
CPE configurations NVD · 1
| CPE | Versions | Role | Vendor |
|---|---|---|---|
| cpe:2.3:a:siteground:speed_optimizer:*:*:*:*:*:wordpress:*:* | before 5.0.12 | Vulnerable | SiteGround |
- cpe:2.3:a:siteground:speed_optimizer:*:*:*:*:*:wordpress:*:* Versions before 5.0.12 Vulnerable ·SiteGround
Remediation
- Fix · CNA Speed Optimizer – The All-In-One Performance-Boosting Plugin (siteground) Fixed in 5.0.13
Timeline
- 2026-10-02 Threatist record created from CVE-2019-25217
- 2026-10-03 Alias added: GHSA-5xpj-qjq8-m3v5
References
Sources
- CVE-2019-25217 · CVE Program
- CVE-2019-25217 · NVD
- FIRST EPSS
- GHSA-5xpj-qjq8-m3v5 · GitHub Advisory Database · CC BY 4.0
This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Sources and licences