The Podlove Podcast Publisher plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the Feed Name value in version <= 4.1.25 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with administrator-level access, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page. This only affects multi-site installations and installations where unfiltered_html has been disabled.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 4.4, indicating medium severity. The attack vector is network-based, which suggests that it could be exploited remotely. The complexity of the attack is high, and it requires elevated privileges, specifically administrator-level access, to execute the attack. Given the nature of the vulnerability, organizations using this plugin should prioritize patching to mitigate risks.
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive data and the ability for attackers to manipulate content on affected pages. Given the potential impact on user trust and the integrity of the website, organizations should address this vulnerability in their patch cycle as a priority.
No public exploit has been confirmed, and the vulnerability is not currently known to be actively exploited in the wild. However, the complexity and required access level mean that it could still pose a significant risk if left unaddressed.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, indicating a stored cross-site scripting issue. The Podlove Podcast Publisher plugin allows attackers with administrator-level access to inject scripts that can execute in the context of users visiting the affected pages. The vulnerability was published on January 18, 2025, and remains relevant for installations that have not updated to version 4.2.0 or later.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in inadequate input sanitization and output escaping for user inputs, specifically in the Feed Name field. Attackers may leverage this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that, once injected, can execute JavaScript code in the browser of an unsuspecting user. Since the attack complexity is rated as high, it may require specific conditions to be met, such as having administrator access, making it less likely to be exploited by opportunistic attackers.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk is significant, especially for organizations that host multi-site WordPress installations. The potential for unauthorized script execution could lead to compromised user sessions, data theft, or the defacement of web pages. This vulnerability can affect user trust and cause reputational damage if exploited. Organizations should assess their exposure and prioritize remediation based on the severity and potential impact on their operations.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected product is the Podlove Podcast Publisher plugin for WordPress, specifically versions up to and including 4.1.25. Users should upgrade to version 4.2.0 or later to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. Upgrading to version 4.2.0 or later of the Podlove Podcast Publisher plugin will remediate this vulnerability. In the absence of an immediate upgrade, disabling the plugin or enforcing strict content security policies can help mitigate risk temporarily. Additionally, organizations should implement regular security assessments to identify and rectify vulnerabilities in their systems.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring logs for unusual activity related to the Feed Name value can provide indicators of attempted attacks. Additionally, organizations should track user permissions and access patterns to detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The Podlove Podcast Publisher vulnerability reflects a broader trend of plugin vulnerabilities in WordPress. Security teams should prioritize continuous security testing in their development cycles. For more insights on vulnerability management, organizations can explore our vulnerability management program and consider adopting a rigorous penetration testing methodology to ensure ongoing security resilience against emerging threats. Finally, organizations may benefit from exploring our web application penetration testing best practices to further enhance their security posture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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