CVE-2025-15064 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting the Ultimate Member – User Profile, Registration, Login, Member Directory, Content Restriction & Membership Plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability allows for stored cross-site scripting (XSS) through the user description field due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. Exploitation is possible for authenticated users with subscriber level access when the "HTML support for user description" feature is enabled in the plugin settings.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 6.4, indicating a medium severity. The risk to organizations includes potential data exposure, as attackers may leverage this flaw to inject arbitrary scripts, leading to malicious code execution when other users access the affected pages. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate this risk.
Currently, there is no confirmed public exploit available, and the vulnerability is listed as deferred. However, organizations using the affected plugin must remain vigilant and address this vulnerability in their patch cycle.
Given the nature of stored XSS vulnerabilities, the potential impact can be significant, especially if exploited in environments with high user interaction. User credentials and sensitive data could be at risk if this vulnerability remains unpatched.
Vulnerability Details
The Ultimate Member plugin for WordPress is designed to enhance user management capabilities on websites. The vulnerability arises from the inadequate sanitization of the user description field, allowing attackers with low privileges to inject harmful scripts that execute in the context of the affected site.
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, indicating that it falls within the category of improper neutralization of input during web page generation (XSS). The attack vector is network-based, requiring low complexity to exploit, and no user interaction is necessary for the attack.
The CVSS score indicates that while the vulnerability presents a medium level of risk, the implications of an attack could lead to severe consequences for user trust and data integrity.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the failure to properly sanitize user input in the description field of the Ultimate Member plugin. When "HTML support for user description" is enabled, this omission allows users with subscriber privileges to inject scripts.
The attack complexity is low, meaning that a potential threat actor does not need advanced skills to exploit this vulnerability. Privileges required are also low, as even users with basic subscriber access can initiate the attack. Importantly, user interaction is not required, allowing the malicious scripts to execute automatically when affected pages are accessed.
In terms of impact, the confidentiality and integrity of user data could be compromised if the scripts are successfully executed. While the availability of the service is not directly affected, the reputational damage and potential data breaches could lead to significant organizational consequences.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations utilizing the Ultimate Member plugin are at risk of significant exposure due to this vulnerability. The stored XSS could allow attackers to manipulate user sessions and potentially gain access to sensitive user data. The impact is exacerbated in environments with high user activity, where the likelihood of an attack occurring is increased.
Given the CVSS score of 6.4 and the absence of any public exploit, organizations should still treat this as a critical issue, particularly due to the potential for exploitation in the wild. The risk assessment suggests that organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle.
Moreover, the potential blast radius of this vulnerability could extend beyond the affected plugin, impacting overall site integrity and user trust. Organizations must ensure that they implement appropriate controls to monitor and mitigate the risks associated with XSS vulnerabilities.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects all versions of the Ultimate Member plugin prior to 2.11.1. Organizations should ensure they are running the latest version to avoid exposure to this vulnerability. If version information is unclear, the recommendation is to consider all versions prior to the vendor patch as vulnerable.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations are advised to patch the Ultimate Member plugin to the latest version as soon as possible. For those unable to patch immediately, disabling the "HTML support for user description" feature can mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Additionally, implementing web application firewalls (WAF) to filter out potentially malicious inputs can provide an extra layer of defense. Continuous monitoring of user-generated content for any unusual activities is also recommended.
For further guidance on securing WordPress installations, consider engaging in penetration testing to identify potential vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation attempts, organizations should monitor logs for unusual HTTP requests that may indicate script injection attempts. Behavioral anomalies such as unexpected user actions or unusual patterns in user descriptions should also be tracked.
Network signatures that identify malicious input patterns can be deployed to enhance detection capabilities. Additionally, changes in user data or profiles should be closely monitored, as they may signify exploitation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2025-15064 highlights the ongoing challenges in web application security, particularly regarding user input handling. This vulnerability represents a trend in web applications where inadequate sanitization leads to severe risks. Security teams should prioritize training and awareness regarding secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regular security assessments and updates. Organizations are encouraged to review their security posture and engage in proactive measures to safeguard against emerging threats. For comprehensive security practices, consider exploring our penetration testing methodology for insights on effective approaches.
In conclusion, organizations must remain vigilant and adapt their security strategies to address vulnerabilities as they are discovered. Continuous learning and adaptation are key to maintaining a robust security posture, especially in a rapidly evolving threat landscape. Stay informed by following our vulnerability management program for ongoing updates and best practices.
Known Exploitation Timeline
There is currently no known exploitation of CVE-2025-15064 listed in the KEV catalog, and thus no specific timeline for exploitation exists.
EPSS Risk Context
The EPSS score for CVE-2025-15064 is 0.000120000, placing it in the 0.018930000 percentile, indicating a low probability of exploitation in the near term.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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