A vulnerability classified as a Cross-site Scripting (XSS) has been discovered in the Embed Google Map plugin, affecting all versions prior to 3.2. The vulnerability allows for stored XSS, which could be exploited by attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages that are subsequently viewed by users. This vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 6.5, indicating a medium severity level, which necessitates attention from organizations using the affected plugin.
The potential impact of this vulnerability is significant, as attackers may leverage it to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of users' browsers. This can lead to unauthorized actions on behalf of users, including data theft or session hijacking. Given the growing prevalence of web applications and their reliance on user-generated content, the risk to organizations includes damage to reputation and loss of sensitive data.
As of the latest information, there are no known exploits or proof of concept available in public repositories, which indicates that exploitation may not yet be widespread. However, organizations are encouraged to prioritize patching this vulnerability as part of their security protocols.
Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to safeguard against potential exploitation and ensure user data remains secure.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability allows for improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically related to stored XSS in the Embed Google Map plugin. The official CVE description indicates that this issue affects versions up to 3.2. Assigned a CVSS score of 6.5 (medium severity), it is classified under CWE-79.
The vulnerability was published on February 13, 2025, and is currently marked as deferred, indicating that it may not yet have received a definitive resolution or patch from the vendor.
Technical Analysis
Root cause analysis reveals that the vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization when generating web pages. The attack vector is network-based, and the complexity of the attack is classified as low, requiring only low privileges and user interaction to exploit. The confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts are all rated as low, but the potential for user impact remains high due to the nature of XSS attacks.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The deployment of the affected Embed Google Map plugin poses risks to organizations, particularly those using it in customer-facing applications. The blast radius could extend to all users interacting with affected pages, thus amplifying the urgency for remediation. With a medium CVSS score and indications of low exploitability, the vulnerability should still be treated with a high priority due to the fundamental nature of XSS vulnerabilities.
Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle, as the potential for unauthorized access and data manipulation can lead to significant operational and reputational damage.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects the Embed Google Map plugin versions up to and including 3.2. Organizations using this plugin should ensure they are running the latest patched version to mitigate risk.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should apply patches as soon as they become available. If no patch is currently available, consider disabling the affected plugin until a fix is released. Regularly review and update all plugins to ensure that they are secure. For further guidance on secure configurations and vulnerability management, organizations may refer to application security assessment practices.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any unusual behavior or anomalies related to the Embed Google Map plugin. Indicators of exploitation may include unexpected data submissions or changes to user profiles that can be traced back to the use of the plugin.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability lies in the persistent risk posed by XSS vulnerabilities in web applications. They represent a common yet critical threat that can have cascading effects across an organization's web presence. Security teams should remain vigilant and consider implementing a comprehensive vulnerability management program to better manage the risks associated with web applications.
This vulnerability highlights the need for continuous education on secure coding practices among developers and the importance of regular security assessments. Organizations can further enhance their security posture by adopting a proactive approach, including regular penetration testing methodology to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Finally, implementing a thorough review process for third-party plugins can mitigate the risk of future vulnerabilities, ensuring that only trusted and vetted components are utilized in production environments.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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