CVE-2025-23896 in Mindmeister Shortcode Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/16/2025
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Oncle Tom Mindmeister Shortcode allows DOM-Based XSS.This issue affects Mindmeister Shortcode: from n/a through 1.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw that specifically targets the DOM-based execution environment within the Mindmeister Shortcode plugin. The issue stems from inadequate input sanitization during web page generation processes where user-supplied data is not properly neutralized before being rendered in the browser context. This allows malicious actors to inject malicious scripts that execute within the victim's browser session, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the compromised environment. The vulnerability specifically affects versions of the Mindmeister Shortcode plugin from the initial release through version 1.0, indicating that the flaw has existed for some time and affects a significant portion of the user base.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the plugin processes user input through shortcode parameters or embedded content without proper validation and sanitization. When a user visits a page containing the vulnerable shortcode, the malicious payload embedded in the input is executed in the browser's DOM context, bypassing traditional server-side input validation mechanisms. This DOM-based XSS variant is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered purely through client-side manipulation without requiring server-side processing, making it harder to detect and prevent through conventional security measures. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting conditions where untrusted data is incorporated into web pages without proper validation or escaping.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform session manipulation attacks, steal cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or even execute more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft. Given that this affects a shortcode plugin, the attack surface could be expanded through various content management scenarios where shortcodes are used in blog posts, pages, or other user-generated content. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains active as long as the affected plugin version is installed and active on a WordPress site, potentially affecting numerous websites that have not yet updated to patched versions.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate plugin updates to the latest secure version where the XSS vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and output sanitization. Administrators should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms that filter and sanitize all user-supplied data before it is processed or rendered in web pages. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of defense by restricting script execution and limiting the potential impact of successful XSS attacks. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security audits and keeping all plugins and themes updated to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious input patterns, and maintain regular security monitoring to identify potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for developers to follow secure coding practices and for users to maintain up-to-date security configurations to protect against DOM-based XSS threats.