CVE-2025-13592 in Advanced Ads Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/29/2025
The Advanced Ads plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Remote Code Execution in versions up to, and including, 2.0.14 via the 'change-ad__content' shortcode parameter. This allows authenticated attackers with editor-level permissions or above, to execute code on the server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2025
The Advanced Ads plugin for WordPress represents a significant security vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-13592, which exposes systems to remote code execution risks through a specifically crafted shortcode parameter. This vulnerability affects all plugin versions up to and including 2.0.14, creating a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by malicious actors who have gained access to editor-level accounts or higher within WordPress environments. The flaw manifests through the 'change-ad__content' shortcode parameter, which processes user input without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when authenticated attackers leverage their elevated permissions to inject malicious code through the affected shortcode parameter. This represents a classic privilege escalation scenario where the attacker's existing access to editor-level capabilities is amplified into full server control. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization practices within the plugin's shortcode handling mechanism, allowing arbitrary code execution on the target server. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-94, which categorizes improper validation of dangerous or unexpected inputs as a critical security weakness.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data exfiltration. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify existing advertisements, inject malicious content, or establish persistent access to the compromised WordPress installation. The affected environment becomes vulnerable to various attack vectors including but not limited to data theft, service disruption, and further lateral movement within network infrastructure. This vulnerability particularly threatens content management systems that rely heavily on plugin functionality for advertising operations, as the compromise can directly affect revenue generation and user trust.
Security practitioners should immediately implement mitigation strategies focusing on plugin version updates and access control restrictions. The most effective immediate remediation involves upgrading to the latest plugin version where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and sanitization procedures. Additionally, implementing strict role-based access controls and limiting editor permissions to only trusted individuals can significantly reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect anomalous shortcode parameter usage patterns. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing comprehensive security monitoring as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation and persistence tactics. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other plugins and core WordPress functionality, ensuring that the attack surface remains minimized through proactive security measures.