CVE-2025-24535 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the SKT Donation plugin for WordPress, specifically versions from n/a through 1.9. This vulnerability allows improper neutralization of input during web page generation, leading to reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. The ability to execute scripts in the context of the user's session can lead to unauthorized actions on behalf of the user, potentially compromising sensitive data and user privacy. Given its high CVSS score of 7.1, organizations should recognize the importance of addressing this vulnerability promptly.
The vulnerability was published on January 31, 2025, and has since been classified under CWE-79, indicating the nature of the issue as a cross-site scripting flaw. The risk to organizations includes exploitation through network vectors with low attack complexity, requiring no privileges, but necessitating user interaction. This makes it particularly concerning for environments where users may be misled into clicking on malicious links.
Currently, there are no known exploits confirmed for this vulnerability, but the potential for exploitation remains a notable concern. Organizations utilizing the SKT Donation plugin should prioritize patching or updating to a secure version to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The combination of a high severity rating and the potential impact makes this vulnerability a critical concern for users of the affected plugin.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability in the SKT Donation plugin allows for reflected XSS attacks, meaning that attackers can inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by users. The official CVE description states: 'Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in sonalsinha21 SKT Donation skt-donation allows Reflected XSS.' The CVSS score of 7.1 indicates a high severity level, highlighting the urgency for organizations to address this issue.
The plugin's vulnerability affects versions up to 1.9, and the publication date of this vulnerability is January 31, 2025. Organizations must review their implementations and ensure they are not using vulnerable versions to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2025-24535 stems from improper input validation during the generation of web pages by the SKT Donation plugin. Attackers may exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious URL that, when clicked by a user, executes scripts in the user's browser. The attack vector is considered to be network-based, requiring user interaction to trigger the exploit.
The attack complexity is low, as it does not require any special privileges and simply necessitates that the user clicks on a malicious link. This vulnerability has implications for confidentiality, integrity, and availability, albeit rated as low impact across all three areas. Organizations should be aware that while the immediate effects may seem minimal, the potential for broader exploitation exists.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk associated with CVE-2025-24535 is significant, especially for organizations that rely on the SKT Donation plugin to process transactions or manage donations. A successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive user information, which could have severe repercussions for user trust and organizational reputation.
The potential blast radius is concerning as well; any user interacting with the compromised plugin could be affected, leading to a rapid spread of the vulnerability across a user base. Organizations must assess the urgency of addressing this vulnerability based on its CVSS score and the presence of active exploitation trends in the wild.
Given that this vulnerability is not currently included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, organizations should still take it seriously and prioritize remediation efforts to mitigate risks. Timely interventions are necessary to prevent potential exploitation.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The SKT Donation plugin is affected from n/a through version 1.9. Organizations should ensure that they are running the latest patched version to avoid falling prey to this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations are advised to update the SKT Donation plugin to the latest version to remediate this vulnerability. If an immediate update is not feasible, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls (WAFs) to filter out malicious requests. Additionally, conducting regular security assessments can help identify similar vulnerabilities proactively. For detailed guidance on maintaining application security, organizations may refer to AppSecure's application security assessment services.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation attempts, organizations should monitor web application logs for anomalies such as unexpected JavaScript execution or abnormal user interactions. Behavioral analysis can help identify patterns that deviate from normal user activity. Additionally, implementing network detection techniques can flag requests that contain malicious payloads indicative of XSS attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2025-24535 lies in its illustration of the ongoing risks associated with web application vulnerabilities, particularly XSS. It highlights a persistent pattern where user input is not adequately sanitized, leading to significant security issues. Security teams should take this as a reminder to reinforce the importance of secure coding practices and regular vulnerability assessments. For further insights into best practices for security testing, organizations can refer to AppSecure's penetration testing methodology and vulnerability management program design resources.
Staying informed about security trends and evolving threats can empower organizations to protect themselves against similar vulnerabilities in the future. Regular updates and reviews of security policies and practices will help mitigate risks effectively.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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