CVE-2025-24673 in Ketchup Shortcodes Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/24/2025
Improper Neutralization of Script-Related HTML Tags in a Web Page (Basic XSS) vulnerability in AyeCode Ltd Ketchup Shortcodes allows Stored XSS. This issue affects Ketchup Shortcodes: from n/a through 0.1.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2025-24673 represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw within the AyeCode Ltd Ketchup Shortcodes plugin, classified under CWE-79 as improper neutralization of script-related HTML tags in web pages. This weakness enables attackers to inject malicious scripts that persist in the application's database and execute whenever affected pages are rendered to users. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions of the Ketchup Shortcodes plugin ranging from an unspecified initial version through 0.1.2, indicating a potential window of exposure for numerous installations that have not been updated to newer versions. The issue arises from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's shortcode processing functionality, where user-supplied content containing HTML tags is not properly escaped or filtered before being stored and subsequently displayed.
The operational impact of this stored XSS vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration from authenticated users. When exploited, the vulnerability allows threat actors to inject malicious JavaScript code through shortcode parameters or content fields that are then stored in the WordPress database. This stored payload executes in the context of the victim's browser when they view pages containing the affected shortcodes, potentially leading to complete compromise of user sessions and access to sensitive administrative functions. The vulnerability's persistence through database storage makes it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over extended periods without requiring repeated exploitation attempts. Attackers can leverage this weakness to inject malicious scripts that redirect users to phishing sites, steal cookies and session tokens, or even modify content displayed to other users.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in the context of the ATT&CK framework's T1566.001 technique for initial access through spearphishing attachments and T1059.007 for execution through scripting, as the stored nature of the XSS makes it particularly effective for delivering persistent attack payloads. The vulnerability's classification as basic XSS indicates that it affects the core web application security principle of input validation and output encoding, where the plugin fails to properly sanitize user inputs before rendering them in HTML contexts. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by updating to the latest version of the Ketchup Shortcodes plugin where this vulnerability has been addressed. Additionally, implementing proper content security policies and regular security scanning of WordPress installations can help detect and prevent similar vulnerabilities in other plugins or themes. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and output encoding in web applications, particularly within content management systems where user-generated content processing is common.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of affected installations, implementation of web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, and comprehensive security auditing of all active plugins and themes. Regular security monitoring and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the web application stack. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that include input validation, output encoding, and proper access controls. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely updates of all software components and reduce the window of exposure for known vulnerabilities.