The Responsive Plus WordPress plugin before version 3.4.3 is vulnerable to arbitrary shortcode execution. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated users to execute the update_responsive_woo_free_shipping_left_shortcode AJAX action, which does not properly validate the content_rech_data parameter before processing it as a shortcode. This flaw can lead to unauthorized access and manipulation of the WordPress site, potentially compromising its integrity.
With a CVSS score of 6.5, this vulnerability is classified as medium severity. Organizations utilizing the Responsive Plus plugin should be aware of the risks associated with the exploitation of this vulnerability and take appropriate action to address it.
As of now, there are no known exploits for this vulnerability, which indicates that attackers have not publicly demonstrated the ability to leverage it. However, given the nature of the issue, the potential for exploitation remains a concern.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability and ensure the security of their WordPress installations.
Vulnerability Details
The CVE-2025-15488 vulnerability stems from the Responsive Plus WordPress plugin's failure to properly validate input data. Specifically, the update_responsive_woo_free_shipping_left_shortcode AJAX action allows the execution of arbitrary shortcodes, leading to potential unauthorized actions on the website.
This vulnerability is classified under the CWE category for improper input validation. The affected versions are all prior to 3.4.3, and it was published on March 26, 2026.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is inadequate input validation on the content_rech_data parameter, which can be manipulated by unauthorized users. The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, requiring no special privileges or user interaction. Since the attack complexity is low, it presents a significant risk.
The confidentiality impact is marked as none, but the integrity and availability impacts are both low. This indicates that while sensitive data may not be exposed, unauthorized changes could be made to site content.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized shortcode execution, leading to manipulation of site behavior and content. Such vulnerabilities can affect user trust, brand reputation, and overall security posture.
Given the medium severity rating and the nature of the vulnerability, organizations should address it in their priority patch cycle. Failure to do so could result in a compromised WordPress installation, impacting accessibility and user experience.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions prior to 3.4.3 of the Responsive Plus WordPress plugin are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations using this plugin should ensure they are running an updated version to mitigate the risk.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should immediately update to Responsive Plus version 3.4.3 or later. If upgrading is not feasible, consider applying configuration hardening practices to limit unauthorized AJAX requests.
For ongoing security, organizations may also benefit from penetration testing to ensure their systems are secure against similar vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor their logs for any unauthorized access attempts, specifically targeting the AJAX actions associated with the Responsive Plus plugin. Additionally, behavioral anomalies in shortcode processing should be investigated.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability highlights the importance of strict input validation in plugins and the potential risks posed by unauthenticated actions. Organizations should implement a thorough vulnerability management program to proactively identify and address similar vulnerabilities in their systems.
Additionally, continuous security assessments are crucial in maintaining the integrity of web applications. Organizations should consider adopting a web application penetration testing strategy to uncover and remediate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Finally, organizations need to stay informed about emerging vulnerabilities and threats. Regularly reviewing security advisories and threat intelligence reports is essential for effective risk management.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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