CVE-2025-0916 is a high-severity vulnerability identified in the YaySMTP and Email Logs plugin for WordPress, affecting versions 2.4.9 to 2.6.2. This vulnerability allows for Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. Unauthenticated attackers can inject arbitrary web scripts into pages, which will execute whenever a user accesses those pages. The vulnerability was initially patched in version 2.4.8 but was reintroduced in version 2.4.9, following the removal of the wp_kses_post() function, a built-in WordPress sanitization feature.
With a CVSS score of 7.2, the risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access and exploitation of user data. Given the vulnerability's nature, attackers may leverage this flaw to deliver malicious scripts, potentially compromising user sessions and sensitive information. Organizations using affected versions should act swiftly to mitigate risks.
The vulnerability has been analyzed and documented, with details published on February 19, 2025. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
No public exploit has been confirmed, and the vulnerability has not been included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. Despite this, the potential impact remains significant, urging organizations to remain vigilant.
Organizations using YaySMTP should assess their systems, apply necessary patches, and reinforce their security measures to prevent exploitation.
Vulnerability Details
The YaySMTP and Email Logs plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting in versions 2.4.9 to 2.6.2. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-79, which pertains to improper neutralization of input during web page generation ('Cross-site Scripting').
Published on February 19, 2025, by YayCommerce, the vulnerability's CVSS score is 7.2, indicating high severity. The attack vector is network-based, and it is characterized by low attack complexity and no privileges required. User interaction is not necessary for exploitation.
The potential impacts include low confidentiality and integrity loss, with no availability impact. Organizations should take these factors into account when evaluating their risk exposure.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms within the YaySMTP plugin. Attackers may exploit this weakness to inject malicious scripts that can execute in the context of the user’s browser, potentially leading to data theft or session hijacking.
The attack vector is network-based, allowing attackers to target the plugin over the internet. The attack complexity is low, and no privileges are required to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, user interaction is not needed for the attack to be successful, increasing the risk to users.
The confidentiality impact is low, as attackers may gain unauthorized access to user data, while the integrity is also affected, allowing for manipulation of the web content displayed to users. However, there is no impact on availability, making this a specific type of risk that organizations must manage.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk of CVE-2025-0916 is significant, especially for organizations using the affected versions of the YaySMTP plugin. The potential for unauthorized access and exploitation of user data poses a serious threat that could lead to reputational damage and financial loss.
The blast radius of this vulnerability extends to any user who accesses an affected page, meaning a single exploitation can impact multiple users simultaneously. This vulnerability's high CVSS score emphasizes the urgency for organizations to address it promptly.
Given that no public exploit has been confirmed, organizations should remain vigilant and proactive in monitoring their systems while implementing necessary patches. The urgency for remediation is classified as high, reflecting the need for immediate action to prevent potential exploitation.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of the YaySMTP plugin for WordPress are from 2.4.9 up to, but not including, 2.6.3. Organizations using these versions should take immediate action to remediate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should update the YaySMTP plugin to version 2.6.3 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. If immediate upgrading is not possible, implementing input validation and output sanitization measures can help reduce risk.
Monitoring and logging user interactions can also assist in identifying any suspicious activities related to this vulnerability. For further guidance, organizations may consider engaging in penetration testing to validate their security posture.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for unusual patterns of user behavior, particularly any unauthorized script executions or access attempts. Additionally, they should be vigilant for behavioral anomalies that suggest the exploitation of this vulnerability.
Network signatures may also be developed to detect exploitation attempts and should be incorporated into existing security monitoring systems.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2025-0916 underscores the importance of input validation and output sanitization in web development. The reintroduction of this vulnerability highlights the challenges in maintaining secure coding practices in evolving software environments.
Security teams should take this incident as a lesson in the necessity of rigorous testing during development cycles and the importance of adhering to established security protocols. Continuous education and training on secure coding practices can help mitigate similar risks in the future.
For organizations looking to bolster their defenses, AppSecure offers extensive resources and services. Engaging in regular application security assessments can identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Furthermore, organizations should consider adopting a comprehensive continuous penetration testing strategy to stay ahead of potential threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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