CVE-2025-30547 in WP Cards Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/01/2025
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in David Tufts WP Cards allows Reflected XSS. This issue affects WP Cards: from n/a through 1.5.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2025
This vulnerability represents a classic reflected cross-site scripting flaw that enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The issue exists within the David Tufts WP Cards plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions ranging from the initial release through 1.5.1. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization during the web page generation process, creating an opening for malicious actors to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of a victim's browser. The reflected nature of this XSS vulnerability means that the malicious script is embedded within a URL or HTTP request parameter and then reflected back to the user's browser, making it particularly dangerous for exploitation through social engineering techniques.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when user-supplied input is directly incorporated into dynamically generated web content without proper sanitization or encoding. Attackers can craft malicious URLs containing script payloads that, when visited by unsuspecting users, execute within the context of the vulnerable plugin's functionality. This allows for session hijacking, credential theft, and other malicious activities that can compromise user accounts and potentially lead to broader system 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 or links. The impact is particularly severe given that the vulnerability affects a widely used WordPress plugin, potentially exposing thousands of websites to exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that compromise user sessions and facilitate further exploitation. An attacker could craft malicious payloads that steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or inject malicious content that persists across multiple user interactions. The reflected nature means that the attack vector is typically delivered through phishing emails or social engineering campaigns where users are tricked into clicking malicious links. The vulnerability affects any website running the affected plugin version, making it a significant concern for WordPress administrators who have not updated to patched versions. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to user accounts, data breaches, and potential compromise of entire web applications through this single vulnerable component. The risk is amplified by the fact that many WordPress installations may not have automated update mechanisms in place, leaving sites vulnerable for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate plugin updates to versions that address the XSS vulnerability, along with implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Administrators should also consider implementing content security policies to limit script execution within the affected application context. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense, though they should not be relied upon as the sole mitigation. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other plugins and themes. The principle of least privilege should be applied to plugin installations, ensuring that only necessary functionality is enabled. Additionally, user education regarding suspicious links and email attachments remains crucial in preventing successful exploitation attempts, as the reflected XSS vulnerability typically requires user interaction to be effective.