CVE-2025-24564 is a reflected Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Contact Form With Shortcode plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions up to 4.2.5. This vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages that are generated dynamically, potentially leading to unauthorized actions being executed on behalf of users. The severity of this vulnerability is categorized as high, with a CVSS score of 7.1, indicating significant risk to users and organizations utilizing this plugin.
The implications of this vulnerability are serious. Attackers may leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of the user's browser, which can result in session hijacking, data theft, or the spread of malware. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability immediately to prevent exploitation and protect their users from potential attacks.
As of now, there are no known exploits reported for this vulnerability, but due to its nature and the ease of exploitation associated with XSS vulnerabilities, organizations should not delay in implementing necessary patches or updates. This is particularly crucial given its high profile among WordPress plugins.
Organizations using the affected plugin should also monitor their environments for any unusual activity that may suggest attempted exploitation of this vulnerability. Given the potential for significant impact, immediate action is warranted.
Vulnerability Details
This vulnerability allows for improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically allowing reflected XSS attacks. The CVSS score of 7.1 indicates a high severity level, with a low attack complexity, no required privileges, and the necessity for user interaction. The impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all scored as low.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user input in the Contact Form With Shortcode plugin. When user input is not properly validated or encoded before being rendered on a web page, it opens the door for attackers to insert malicious JavaScript code that executes in the context of another user's session.
The attack vector is through the network, with low complexity for attackers. No privileges are required to exploit this vulnerability, and user interaction is necessary, as the victim must click on a malicious link to trigger the XSS attack.
The confidentiality impact is low, as attackers may gain access to the user's session data. Integrity impact is also low, since the attacker can modify the content of the web page. Lastly, availability impact is low as well, as the attacker does not disrupt the service but may exploit user data.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with CVE-2025-24564 primarily revolves around the potential for data theft and unauthorized actions performed by attackers on behalf of users. Given the nature of XSS attacks, the blast radius could extend to all users of the affected plugin, making it critical for organizations to address this vulnerability quickly.
Organizations should assess their exposure based on the CVSS score, and due to the high severity, they should prioritize remediation efforts immediately. Monitoring for signs of exploitation attempts is also advised to proactively mitigate risks.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of the Contact Form With Shortcode plugin range from n/a up to 4.2.5. Organizations should ensure that they are running a version later than 4.2.5 to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations should update the Contact Form With Shortcode plugin to the latest version available from the vendor. If an immediate update is not possible, implementing input validation and output encoding on user inputs can help mitigate risks associated with XSS vulnerabilities.
Organizations should also consider conducting a thorough security assessment to identify any other potential vulnerabilities in their web applications. Regular security testing, including penetration testing, can help uncover and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
For ongoing protection, organizations can benefit from engaging in continuous security testing to identify and remediate vulnerabilities proactively.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of suspicious activity, particularly any unexpected script executions or requests involving the Contact Form With Shortcode plugin. Behavioral anomalies in user interactions with the contact form may also indicate attempts to exploit the XSS vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2025-24564 highlights the ongoing risks associated with improperly sanitized input in web applications. Security teams should recognize this vulnerability as a reminder of the necessity for robust input validation and sanitization processes.
It represents a common pattern in web application vulnerabilities where user input is mishandled, leading to severe security implications. As organizations increasingly transition to digital platforms, understanding the potential for such vulnerabilities and implementing proactive measures is essential.
For further insights on security best practices, organizations can refer to our blog on penetration testing methodology and consider engaging in vulnerability management programs to enhance their security posture.
Additionally, organizations should stay informed about emerging threats by following updates and trends in the cybersecurity landscape, which can be found in our article on vulnerability exposure severity trends.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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