This vulnerability allows for improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically a stored Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the FontAwesome.io ShortCodes plugin developed by Alexander Weleczka. The identified issue affects FontAwesome.io ShortCodes: from n/a through 1.0.
With a CVSS score of 6.5, categorized as medium severity, this vulnerability poses a risk to organizations that utilize this plugin. The potential for exploitation through stored XSS attacks can lead to unauthorized access and data manipulation.
Risk to organizations includes possible unauthorized actions being performed on behalf of users, which could result in data breaches or reputational damage. As the status of this vulnerability is currently deferred, there is no known public exploit at this time.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to protect against this vulnerability and mitigate associated risks.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of this vulnerability highlights an improper neutralization of input during web page generation, leading to stored XSS. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, indicating that the issue is related to improper handling of web content leading to XSS vulnerabilities.
The CVSS score of 6.5 reflects a medium severity classification, suggesting that while the vulnerability can be exploited, it may require some level of user interaction. The attack vector is network-based, with low complexity and low privileges required for exploitation.
This vulnerability was published on January 16, 2025. Organizations using affected versions of the FontAwesome.io ShortCodes plugin should assess their exposure, particularly those using versions prior to the vendor patch.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability arises from the improper handling of user input, which allows attackers to inject executable scripts that are stored and executed later. The attack vector is primarily through network interactions, targeting systems that utilize the vulnerable plugin.
The attack complexity is classified as low, requiring minimal effort to exploit, while the privileges required are also low, making it accessible to a broader range of potential attackers. User interaction is required to trigger the exploit, which adds a layer of complexity but does not significantly reduce the risk.
Confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts are all classified as low, indicating that while exploitation may not lead to catastrophic failures, it can still result in significant data exposure or manipulation, particularly in a web application context.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations leveraging the FontAwesome.io ShortCodes plugin must be aware of the potential risks associated with this vulnerability. The impact of stored XSS can be significant, allowing attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of authenticated users, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The blast radius for this vulnerability can extend beyond the immediate application, affecting users and potentially leading to a loss of trust and customer confidence. Furthermore, the medium severity rating indicates that while immediate exploitation is not currently known, the potential for future exploitation remains a concern.
Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle, implementing necessary updates as soon as they become available to mitigate risks effectively.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects all versions of FontAwesome.io ShortCodes prior to the vendor patch, specifically from n/a through 1.0. Organizations using these versions should assess their systems for exposure to this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations should apply the latest available patches for the FontAwesome.io ShortCodes plugin. If immediate patching is not possible, consider implementing web application firewall (WAF) rules to block potential attack vectors.
Additionally, organizations may want to perform regular security assessments, including penetration testing, to identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor their logs for unusual activity that may indicate an exploitation of this vulnerability. This includes monitoring for unexpected JavaScript execution, anomalies in user behavior, and any unauthorized changes to web pages.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability highlights the ongoing risks associated with XSS vulnerabilities in web applications. Security teams should remain vigilant about input validation and output encoding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities.
This case represents a broader trend in the industry where improper validation leads to significant security flaws. Organizations must prioritize security measures, including regular security testing, to stay ahead of potential threats.
For organizations looking to bolster their security posture, implementing effective vulnerability management programs can help identify and mitigate risks proactively. Furthermore, engaging in penetration testing regularly enables organizations to uncover vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
Overall, maintaining a proactive approach to security is vital in mitigating risks associated with vulnerabilities like CVE-2025-23824.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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