CVE-2025-24676 is a high-severity vulnerability that allows for improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically a Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Custom WP Store Locator plugin. This issue affects versions of the plugin from n/a through 1.4.7. The vulnerability was published on February 3, 2025, and although its status is deferred, it poses a significant risk to organizations that utilize this plugin.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.1, indicating a high level of risk. This score reflects the potential impact and likelihood of exploitation, emphasizing the urgency for organizations to address the vulnerability promptly. With a network attack vector and low complexity, the barrier for potential attackers is reduced, allowing for easier exploitation of the vulnerability.
Organizations that have not yet updated their Custom WP Store Locator plugin should take immediate action. Failure to do so may result in attackers leveraging this vulnerability to execute malicious scripts, potentially leading to data theft or unauthorized actions within the application.
Given the nature of this vulnerability and its potential impact, organizations should prioritize patching immediately. Regular updates and security assessments are critical in maintaining a secure environment.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability exists due to improper handling of user input in the Custom WP Store Locator plugin, which allows for reflected XSS attacks. The official CVE description highlights the severity of the issue and its impact on user data integrity and confidentiality. The CVSS version 3.1 vector string for this vulnerability is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:L, indicating a low attack complexity and no required privileges for exploitation.
The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, which pertains to improper neutralization of input during web page generation. Organizations using the affected versions of the plugin should take immediate steps to remediate the issue.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from the failure to properly sanitize user input before rendering it on web pages. The attack vector is network-based, allowing attackers to exploit the vulnerability remotely. The attack complexity is low, as it requires no special privileges to execute the attack, but does necessitate user interaction via a crafted URL or link.
Since the exploitation of this vulnerability leads to the execution of arbitrary scripts in the user's browser, the confidentiality impact is categorized as low, but the potential for integrity and availability impacts also exists. Attackers could manipulate user data or perform actions on behalf of the user.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risks associated with this vulnerability are significant, particularly for organizations that rely on the Custom WP Store Locator plugin. The potential for data theft and unauthorized actions presents a substantial threat to both user trust and organizational reputation.
Organizations should assess the blast radius of this vulnerability, considering how many users and systems are impacted by the Custom WP Store Locator plugin. Given the high CVSS score, it is critical that organizations prioritize this vulnerability in their patching cycle.
With an EPS score of 0.00048, indicating a low likelihood of exploitation in the wild, the urgency remains high due to the potential consequences of an exploit. Organizations must remain vigilant and monitor for any signs of exploitation.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected version of the Custom WP Store Locator plugin is from n/a through 1.4.7. Organizations using these versions should take immediate action to patch or upgrade to secure versions.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations should update the Custom WP Store Locator plugin to the latest version. If immediate updating is not feasible, consider implementing web application firewalls or other network controls to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Regular security assessments, including penetration testing, can help identify weaknesses in the application. For further assistance, organizations may consider engaging in penetration testing services.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unusual user activities and validate input handling mechanisms. Implementing network signatures can help identify attempts to exploit the XSS vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability highlights the ongoing challenges in securing web applications, especially with user input handling. Organizations must remain vigilant and proactive in updating their systems and applying security best practices.
It is essential for security teams to adopt a comprehensive security strategy that includes regular updates and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. For insights on best practices, organizations can refer to the penetration testing methodology.
Additionally, organizations should consider reviewing their approach to application security to ensure they are not vulnerable to similar issues in the future. For further reading, the vulnerability management program can provide valuable insights.
Finally, staying informed about emerging threats and vulnerabilities is vital for organizational resilience. Organizations can benefit from continuous learning and adapting their security practices accordingly.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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