The Events Calendar Vulnerability – Missing Authorization to Authenticated (Subscriber+) Data Migration Control – CVE-2025-15043 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report

Plugin Name: The Events Calendar

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Key Information

Software Type: Plugin
Software Slug: the-events-calendar
Software Status: Active
Software Author: stellarwp
Software Downloads: 78,686,265
Active Installs: 700,000
Last Updated: January 22, 2026
Patched Versions: 6.15.13.1
Affected Versions: ≤ 6.15.13

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Vulnerability Details

Name: The Events Calendar ≤ 6.15.13 – Missing Authorization to Authenticated Data Migration Control
Title: Missing Authorization to Authenticated (Subscriber+) Data Migration Control
Type: Missing Authorization / Improper Access Control
CVE: CVE-2025-15043
CVSS Score: 5.4 (Medium)
Publicly Published: January 20, 2026
Researcher: type5afe
Description:
The The Events Calendar plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access due to a missing capability check on the start_migration, cancel_migration, and revert_migration functions in all versions up to, and including, 6.15.13. This allows authenticated attackers with Subscriber-level access or higher to start, cancel, or revert the Custom Tables V1 database migration, including dropping custom database tables entirely via the revert action.

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Summary

The The Events Calendar plugin for WordPress contains a vulnerability in versions up to and including 6.15.13 that allows authenticated users with Subscriber-level permissions or higher to control database migration actions. This vulnerability has been patched in version 6.15.13.1.

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Detailed Overview

This vulnerability stems from missing authorization checks on several internal migration-related functions tied to the Custom Tables V1 database migration system. Because proper capability validation was not enforced, lower-privileged authenticated users could trigger migration actions that should be restricted to administrators. Exploiting this issue could allow a subscriber to start or cancel a migration process, or worse, revert a migration and drop custom database tables entirely. This represents a serious integrity and availability risk, as database tables used by the plugin may be removed or left in an inconsistent state. The issue was responsibly disclosed by the security researcher type5afe and publicly published in January 2026. The plugin developers addressed the issue quickly by adding appropriate capability checks in version 6.15.13.1.

Risks and Potential Impact

While this vulnerability does not allow anonymous access or direct data exfiltration, its impact can be severe. Improper control over database migrations can result in data loss, broken event listings, or a non-functional events system. For small businesses that rely on event listings for bookings, promotions, or community engagement, unintended database changes could lead to downtime, lost information, and customer confusion. Recovering from dropped tables may require restoring backups, which can be time-consuming and stressful if backups are outdated or unavailable.

How to Remediate the Vulnerability

The recommended remediation is to update The Events Calendar plugin to version 6.15.13.1 or later immediately. This update ensures that only users with appropriate administrative privileges can manage database migration actions. After updating, site owners should verify that events and related data are intact and functioning correctly. Reviewing user roles and removing unnecessary subscriber accounts can further reduce the risk of similar issues in the future.

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Advice for Users

Immediate Action:
Update The Events Calendar plugin to version 6.15.13.1 or later as soon as possible. Check for Signs of Vulnerability:
Watch for missing events, broken event pages, or unexpected database-related errors. These may indicate that a migration action was triggered improperly. Alternate Plugins:
While the vulnerability has been patched, users may evaluate alternative event management plugins if minimizing complexity or database-level operations is a concern. Stay Updated:
Keep WordPress core, plugins, and themes updated. Database-related vulnerabilities can have serious consequences if updates are delayed.

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Conclusion

The quick patch for this vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping plugins up to date, especially those that interact directly with the database. Site owners should ensure they are running The Events Calendar version 6.15.13.1 or later to prevent unauthorized control over migration processes and protect site stability. Keeping a WordPress website secure can be challenging for small business owners who do not have the time to monitor security advisories or vulnerability disclosures. This issue shows that even authenticated users with low-level access can pose risks when authorization checks are missing. The Events Calendar is widely used to manage and promote events, and affected versions prior to 6.15.13.1 expose sites to potential data loss through improper migration controls. Applying updates promptly, limiting user access, and maintaining reliable backups are essential steps in protecting your site. Staying proactive with security updates and maintenance helps safeguard not only your website’s functionality, but also your business reputation and customer trust.

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Staying Secure

Staying on top of WordPress security can feel overwhelming for small business owners without dedicated IT staff. At Your WP Guy, we exist to shoulder that burden for you. Our WordPress experts can fully audit, secure, maintain and support your site – so you can focus on growing your business with peace of mind.

Don’t tackle security risks alone. Let us help you assess any impact from this vulnerability, update your plugins, and implement ongoing maintenance to avoid future threats. We treat your website like it’s our own – because we know how critical it is for reaching your customers.

Get in touch for a free consultation today on making WordPress security stress-free. Call 678-995-5169 or book a call here. Our knowledgeable team is ready to help you safeguard your online presence.

The Events Calendar Vulnerability – Missing Authorization to Authenticated (Subscriber+) Data Migration Control – CVE-2025-15043 | WordPress Plugin Vulnerability Report FAQs

What is the vulnerability affecting The Events Calendar plugin?

What is the vulnerability affecting The Events Calendar plugin?

This vulnerability affects certain versions of The Events Calendar plugin and allows authenticated users with Subscriber-level access or higher to control database migration actions. The issue is caused by missing authorization checks on internal migration functions. Although it does not allow anonymous access, it can still lead to serious problems such as dropped database tables or broken event data. This makes it a significant risk for site stability and data integrity.

Which versions of The Events Calendar are affected?

Which versions of The Events Calendar are affected?

All versions up to and including 6.15.13 are affected by this vulnerability. The issue has been fixed in version 6.15.13.1. If you are running an earlier version, updating immediately will resolve the problem. You can check your current version from the Plugins section of your WordPress dashboard.

Do attackers need admin access to exploit this issue?

Do attackers need admin access to exploit this issue?

No, administrator access is not required. Any authenticated user with Subscriber-level access or higher could potentially trigger the vulnerable migration actions. Many sites have subscriber accounts for event registrations, memberships, or past users. If any of these accounts are compromised, the vulnerability could be abused.

What kind of damage could this vulnerability cause?

What kind of damage could this vulnerability cause?

The most serious risk is unintended database changes, including the deletion of custom database tables used by the plugin. This can result in lost events, broken pages, or a non-functional events system. For businesses that rely on events for revenue or engagement, this could lead to downtime, lost bookings, and customer confusion. Recovery may require restoring backups.

How do I fix this vulnerability on my site?

How do I fix this vulnerability on my site?

The fix is straightforward and involves updating The Events Calendar plugin to version 6.15.13.1 or later. This update adds proper authorization checks to the migration functions. After updating, it is recommended to verify that all events and related data are still present and functioning correctly. Keeping backups is also strongly advised.

How can I tell if my site was affected?

How can I tell if my site was affected?

Signs of exploitation may include missing events, broken event pages, or unexpected database-related errors. In some cases, the site may appear partially or completely broken. If you notice any unusual behavior, checking recent user activity and restoring from a backup may be necessary. Some issues may not be immediately obvious.

Why do database-related vulnerabilities matter so much?

Why do database-related vulnerabilities matter so much?

Database operations control the core data of your website, including content and plugin functionality. Unauthorized access to these operations can have long-lasting effects. Even without stealing data, attackers can cause disruption and data loss. That is why vulnerabilities affecting migrations or database tables are taken seriously.

Should I stop using The Events Calendar plugin?

Should I stop using The Events Calendar plugin?

There is no need to stop using the plugin if you have updated to the patched version. Once updated, the vulnerability is resolved. As with any plugin, it is important to keep it updated and remove unused user accounts. Regular maintenance reduces future risk.

How often should I update WordPress plugins?

How often should I update WordPress plugins?

Plugins should be updated as soon as security patches are released. Delaying updates increases the window during which known vulnerabilities can be exploited. For busy site owners, scheduled maintenance or managed update services can help ensure updates are applied consistently.

What can small business owners do if they do not have time to manage security?

What can small business owners do if they do not have time to manage security?

Small business owners can use WordPress maintenance services that handle updates, monitoring, and backups automatically. This reduces the risk of critical issues being overlooked. Limiting user access, keeping backups, and using reputable security tools also help. Even basic proactive steps can significantly improve website security.