CVE-2025-25085 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting the WP SimpleWeather plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability allows for improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically enabling Stored Cross-site Scripting (XSS) attacks. The issue affects all versions of WP SimpleWeather up to and including 0.2.5, which makes it critical for organizations utilizing this plugin to take immediate action.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 6.5, indicating a medium level of severity. This score reflects the potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, which are all classified as low. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of the affected web application, thereby compromising user data and creating significant risks for organizations.
The urgency for defenders is high, as the exploitation landscape for XSS vulnerabilities is well-known. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability to prevent potential breaches that could arise from successful exploitation. With the vulnerability status marked as 'Deferred', it is important to remain vigilant and monitor for any developments related to this issue.
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to user sessions, data theft, and defacement of web pages. Given the nature of XSS attacks, the repercussions can escalate quickly, impacting both users and the organization's reputation.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2025-25085 highlights that it is a Cross-site Scripting vulnerability identified within the WP SimpleWeather plugin. The vulnerability falls under the CWE classification of 'CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation'. This allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that can be executed in the browser of users visiting the affected site.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 6.5, which indicates a medium severity level. The attack vector is classified as network-based, requiring low complexity for exploitation. Attackers need low privileges and user interaction is required, which adds a layer of complexity to the exploitation process.
The vulnerability was published on February 7, 2025, and has since been modified on April 23, 2026. Organizations using the WP SimpleWeather plugin should assess their systems and implement necessary patches or updates immediately to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2025-25085 lies in the improper handling of user input during the generation of web pages. This oversight allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that are then stored and executed when other users load the affected web page. The attack vector is network-based, emphasizing that an attacker does not require physical access to the system but can exploit the vulnerability remotely.
With low attack complexity, the vulnerability can be exploited relatively easily, provided that user interaction is achieved. For exploitation to occur, an attacker needs to convince a user to visit a malicious page or click on a link that triggers the stored XSS payload. This requirement for user interaction does limit the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk.
The impacts of a successful attack include low confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, as the vulnerability primarily allows for the execution of scripts in users' browsers. This can lead to session hijacking, data theft, and other malicious activities that exploit the trust users have in the affected application.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations face real-world deployment risks as the exploitation of XSS vulnerabilities can lead to significant security breaches. The blast radius potential is considerable, as successful exploitation can compromise user accounts, steal sensitive data, and damage the organization's reputation. Given the medium severity of this vulnerability, organizations should address the issue in their prioritized patch cycle.
The CVSS score of 6.5 indicates that while the risk is not as high as critical vulnerabilities, it still poses a significant threat that should not be overlooked. This vulnerability's status as 'Deferred' suggests that more information may emerge, making it essential for organizations to stay updated on further developments.
Given the low EPS score of 0.00112, the probability of exploitation in the wild is relatively low, but organizations should remain vigilant. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to prevent unauthorized access and protect their users.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of the WP SimpleWeather plugin include all versions prior to vendor patch, specifically those up to and including 0.2.5. Organizations using this plugin are encouraged to review their deployments and apply necessary updates to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2025-25085, organizations should immediately update to the latest version of the WP SimpleWeather plugin. If an update is not available, consider implementing workarounds such as input validation and sanitization to prevent the execution of malicious scripts. Organizations can also strengthen their defenses through configuration hardening and network controls.
For further assistance and to explore effective strategies for managing vulnerabilities, organizations may consider engaging in penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for unusual activity, particularly for signs of XSS attempts. Behavioral anomalies in user sessions, such as unexpected data submissions or script executions, should be investigated. Additionally, network signatures indicative of XSS attacks should be employed to enhance detection capabilities.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2025-25085 represents a persistent threat within the web application landscape. Security teams should note that even vulnerabilities with a low EPS score can be exploited under the right conditions. This highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and proactive security measures.
Organizations should consider implementing a comprehensive vulnerability management program to effectively identify and remediate potential threats. In addition, investing in penetration testing methodology can provide insights into existing vulnerabilities and bolster overall security posture.
Lastly, organizations are encouraged to stay informed on emerging threats and to adapt their security strategies accordingly. Engaging in red teaming exercises can also help teams understand attack vectors better and improve their defenses.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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