CVE-2025-23828 in WordPress Data Guard Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/16/2025
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in OriginalTips.com WordPress Data Guard allows Stored XSS.This issue affects WordPress Data Guard: from n/a through 8.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-23828 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the WordPress Data Guard plugin developed by OriginalTips.com. This weakness falls under the category of improper input neutralization during web page generation, creating a persistent security risk that allows malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability specifically affects versions of the WordPress Data Guard plugin ranging from the initial release through version 8, indicating a widespread impact across multiple iterations of the software.
The technical nature of this stored cross-site scripting vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user input within the plugin's web page generation process. When legitimate users interact with the affected plugin, their input data is not properly escaped or filtered before being rendered in web pages, creating an environment where malicious scripts can be permanently stored and subsequently executed in the context of other users' browsers. This stored nature distinguishes the vulnerability from reflected XSS attacks, as the malicious code persists in the application's database or storage mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous for long-term exploitation. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-site Scripting flaws in web applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and redirection to malicious websites. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can manipulate the behavior of authenticated users, potentially gaining access to sensitive administrative functions or user data. The stored nature of the XSS payload means that every user who accesses the affected web pages becomes a potential victim, creating a scalable attack vector that can compromise multiple users simultaneously. Organizations using the WordPress Data Guard plugin are particularly at risk as this vulnerability can be exploited without requiring any special privileges or knowledge of specific user behaviors, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-23828 must prioritize immediate action to address the root cause through proper input sanitization and output encoding. Administrators should upgrade to the latest version of the WordPress Data Guard plugin where the vulnerability has been patched, as this represents the most effective remediation approach. Additionally, implementing proper content security policies, regular security audits of plugin code, and maintaining up-to-date security monitoring systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input validation controls as additional defensive measures. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of regular security assessments of third-party plugins and the necessity of maintaining current security practices to protect against persistent threats. Security teams should conduct thorough penetration testing and vulnerability scanning to identify any potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all systems remain protected against similar vulnerabilities in the future.