CVE-2025-23449 is a high-severity vulnerability that affects the Simple Shortcode Buttons plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability allows for reflected cross-site scripting (XSS), which can be exploited to inject malicious scripts into web pages. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79, which indicates improper neutralization of input during web page generation.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.1, signaling a high level of risk. This score reflects a low attack complexity and the requirement for user interaction, which indicates that an attacker may lure users to a maliciously crafted link that triggers the XSS. The potential impact includes low confidentiality, integrity, and availability, but the risk to organizations includes the possibility of unauthorized actions being taken on behalf of users.
As of now, this vulnerability has not been actively exploited in the wild, and there is no known public proof of concept available. Despite this, organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability as it poses significant risks.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to prevent any potential exploitation of this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-23449, arises from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically within the Simple Shortcode Buttons plugin version 1.3.2 and below. This vulnerability can be exploited through reflected XSS, allowing attackers to execute scripts in the context of the user's browser.
The CVSS score of 7.1 indicates a high severity level, with an attack vector classified as NETWORK. The attack complexity is low, meaning that a successful exploit does not require extensive skills. No privileges are required, but user interaction is necessary, as users must click on a crafted link to trigger the attack.
This vulnerability affects all versions of Simple Shortcode Buttons prior to the vendor patch. The issue was published on January 22, 2025, and has a CWE classification of CWE-79.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2025-23449 is the failure to properly sanitize user input during the generation of web pages. This oversight allows attackers to inject arbitrary scripts that can be executed in a user's browser context, leading to potential data theft, session hijacking, or other malicious activities.
The attack vector is primarily network-based, as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring physical access to the server. The attack complexity is rated as low, which means that even minimally skilled attackers can exploit this vulnerability given the right circumstances.
Since no privileges are required for exploitation, any user, including unauthenticated visitors, can be targeted. User interaction is necessary, as users must be tricked into clicking on a malicious link. The potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is low, but the overall risk is significant due to the ease of exploitation.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk posed by CVE-2025-23449 is significant, especially for organizations that utilize the Simple Shortcode Buttons plugin in their WordPress environments. The potential for reflected XSS attacks means that attackers could gain access to sensitive user data or perform actions on behalf of users, leading to unauthorized access or data breaches.
Organizations should evaluate the blast radius of this vulnerability, particularly in environments where user interaction with external links is common. The urgency for remediation is high, given the CVSS score of 7.1 and the potential impact on user trust and data integrity.
With an EPSS score of 0.00232, this vulnerability is not currently trending towards active exploitation, but organizations must remain vigilant as the landscape can change rapidly. Addressing this vulnerability promptly can prevent future incidents and protect user data.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of Simple Shortcode Buttons prior to the vendor patch (1.3.2 and below) are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure they are running the latest version to mitigate risks.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize remediation for this vulnerability by updating to the latest version of the Simple Shortcode Buttons plugin. If an update is not immediately available, consider implementing input validation and sanitization measures to mitigate risks. Regular security assessments are critical to identify and resolve similar vulnerabilities.
For comprehensive security measures, organizations may consider penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses and ensure robust security posture.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unusual script execution patterns and review user activities for signs of malicious interactions. Additionally, implementing WAF rules to identify and block XSS attempts can be beneficial.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The presence of CVE-2025-23449 highlights the ongoing challenges organizations face with web application security, particularly concerning XSS vulnerabilities. This case underscores the importance of regular updates and proactive security measures to mitigate risk.
Security teams should integrate lessons learned from vulnerabilities like this into their development lifecycle and security training programs. Additionally, exploring resources for mobile app penetration testing and API penetration testing can further enhance their security posture.
Organizations are encouraged to continuously educate their teams on the latest security trends and to adopt a culture of security awareness to mitigate risks associated with vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-23449.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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