CVE-2025-24620 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the AIO Shortcodes plugin, which allows for stored Cross-site Scripting (XSS). This vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of input during web page generation. The issue affects all versions of AIO Shortcodes up to and including version 1.3. The CVSS score of 7.1 signifies a high level of risk, and organizations should take immediate action to address this vulnerability.
Stored XSS vulnerabilities can lead to significant impacts, including data theft, unauthorized actions on behalf of users, and damage to the organization's reputation. Given the network attack vector and low attack complexity, attackers may exploit this vulnerability with minimal effort, particularly in environments where user interaction is required.
The exploitation status for this vulnerability is currently deferred, with no known exploits in the wild. However, the potential for future exploitation remains, making it crucial for organizations to patch or mitigate this vulnerability as part of their security protocols.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to prevent possible exploitation and ensure the security of their web applications.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-24620 allows for stored Cross-site Scripting (XSS) due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation. The affected product is the AIO Shortcodes plugin, with versions from n/a through 1.3 being vulnerable. The vulnerability has been classified under CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (Cross-site Scripting).
The CVSS 3.1 score for this vulnerability is 7.1, indicating high severity. The attack vector is network-based, with low complexity and no privileges required for exploitation. User interaction is required, meaning attackers must trick a user into executing malicious scripts.
The vulnerability was published on February 3, 2025, and has been categorized as deferred, indicating that further evaluation may be necessary to determine the impact and urgency of remediation.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2025-24620 is attributed to the improper handling of user input when generating web pages. This flaw enables attackers to inject malicious scripts that are stored on the server and executed in the context of a user's browser. The attack vector is network-based, meaning an attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely through the internet.
The attack complexity for this vulnerability is low, as it does not require any special conditions to be met beyond user interaction. No privileges are required to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in public-facing applications. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is low, but the consequences of successful exploitation may lead to severe reputational damage.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential data breaches, unauthorized access to user accounts, and the ability for attackers to perform actions as legitimate users. This vulnerability represents a significant risk, particularly in environments where sensitive data is processed or where users are expected to log in.
The blast radius for this vulnerability can vary based on the deployment of the AIO Shortcodes plugin. If exploited, attackers could potentially impact all users of the affected system, leading to widespread ramifications.
Given the high CVSS score and the potential for exploitation, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to mitigate risks effectively.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of the AIO Shortcodes plugin prior to and including version 1.3 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure that they verify the version of the plugin in use and take appropriate action.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching the AIO Shortcodes plugin to the latest version to mitigate this vulnerability. If a patch is not available, implementing input validation and sanitization measures in the plugin is crucial to prevent XSS attacks.
Additionally, organizations may consider implementing web application firewalls to help detect and block malicious input. Continuous monitoring for unusual behavior on affected applications is also recommended.
For further assistance, organizations can explore our penetration testing services.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor application logs for unusual input patterns. Key indicators include unexpected user input, changes to user account settings, or anomalous behavior during user sessions.
Additionally, organizations should implement network intrusion detection systems to identify and alert on suspicious traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2025-24620 lies in its demonstration of the persistent vulnerabilities associated with web applications. As organizations increasingly rely on web-based technologies, understanding and mitigating risks associated with XSS vulnerabilities becomes essential.
The trend towards automation and ease of use in web applications often leads to the introduction of vulnerabilities. This case highlights the need for security teams to integrate security best practices into the development lifecycle.
Organizations should also consider engaging in regular security assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively. For further insights, organizations can review our penetration testing methodology and our vulnerability management program design articles.
In conclusion, addressing CVE-2025-24620 should be a priority for organizations utilizing the AIO Shortcodes plugin to maintain a secure web environment.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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