The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-23658 pertains to an improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically a Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Tauhidul Alam Advanced Angular Contact Form plugin. This issue allows for reflected XSS, which can be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of the user's browser. This vulnerability is categorized as high severity, with a CVSS score of 7.1, indicating a significant risk to affected systems.
Organizations utilizing this plugin, particularly versions from n/a through 1.1.0, are advised to take immediate action. The potential for exploitation is high, and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is marked as low. However, the presence of such a vulnerability should not be underestimated, as it can lead to further attacks if exploited.
Given the urgency, organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The vulnerability is marked as deferred, indicating that it may not have been fully addressed or disclosed yet, raising the stakes for organizations that rely on this plugin without appropriate security measures.
In light of this vulnerability's characteristics and the current threat landscape, it is crucial for security teams to maintain vigilance and implement monitoring solutions to detect any attempts of exploitation through user inputs.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2025-23658 highlights its classification as an XSS vulnerability. This vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by users. The specific affected product is the Advanced Angular Contact Form plugin, with the vulnerability affecting versions from n/a to 1.1.0. The published date of this vulnerability is February 14, 2025, and it is classified under CWE-79.
The CVSS score of 7.1 indicates a high severity level. The attack vector is classified as network, with a low attack complexity, meaning that no special conditions are required to exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, no privileges are required for an attacker to exploit it, but user interaction is needed to trigger the attack.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization during the web page generation process. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs that include JavaScript or other executable code, which can then be executed in the user's browser when they interact with the affected web page.
The attack vector is primarily network-based, as the vulnerability can be triggered remotely by sending crafted requests to the web application. The attack complexity is low, implying that a basic understanding of web applications and XSS techniques is sufficient for exploitation.
No privileges are required to execute an attack, and user interaction is necessary, meaning that users must click on a malicious link or interact with the web application in a specific way to trigger the exploit. The vulnerability has a low impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, but successful exploitation can lead to significant risks, including data theft or unauthorized access.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with CVE-2025-23658 includes the potential for attackers to manipulate user sessions or steal sensitive information. Organizations relying on the Advanced Angular Contact Form plugin must recognize that the blast radius of such an attack could extend beyond individual users, potentially impacting the organization's reputation and user trust.
Organizations should assess their exposure to this vulnerability based on their user interaction patterns and the criticality of the data handled by the application. Given the CVSS score of 7.1, the urgency is high, and organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle.
With the current threat landscape, the probability of exploitation increases, particularly as attackers become more adept at leveraging XSS vulnerabilities. Therefore, the remediation should be prioritized to mitigate the associated risks.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The Advanced Angular Contact Form plugin is affected in all versions prior to the vendor patch, specifically from n/a through version 1.1.0.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations should apply the latest patch for the Advanced Angular Contact Form plugin. In the absence of a patch, organizations may consider implementing input validation and sanitization measures as a temporary workaround to mitigate the risks associated with reflected XSS.
Organizations are also encouraged to conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address similar vulnerabilities in their applications. For further guidance on penetration testing, organizations can refer to the comprehensive penetration testing services offered by AppSecure.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of XSS attacks, such as unusual URL parameters or unexpected JavaScript execution. Behavioral anomalies, including unexpected user interactions or session hijacking attempts, should also be tracked. Network signatures associated with XSS attacks can help identify exploitation attempts, and system changes resulting from unauthorized script execution should be closely observed.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2025-23658 lies in its representation of a common web application vulnerability that can lead to severe consequences if left unaddressed. Security teams must recognize this pattern and the necessity of implementing robust input validation mechanisms to defend against such vulnerabilities.
This vulnerability highlights the critical need for organizations to adopt a proactive approach to security, including regular security assessments and updates to their software components. Organizations can benefit from resources like the vulnerability management program design to enhance their security posture against evolving threats.
With the growing complexity of web applications, the importance of maintaining a strong security framework cannot be overstated. Utilizing penetration testing methodologies, such as those discussed in the penetration testing methodology blog, can provide organizations with the necessary insights to address vulnerabilities effectively.
In conclusion, the CVE-2025-23658 vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of securing web applications against XSS attacks. Organizations must remain vigilant and proactive in their security measures to mitigate risks and protect their assets.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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