CVE-2025-31473 in WP Database Optimizer Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/28/2025
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in matthewprice1178 WP Database Optimizer allows Stored XSS. This issue affects WP Database Optimizer: from n/a through 1.2.1.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-31473 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness in the matthewprice1178 WP Database Optimizer plugin for WordPress systems. This stored cross-site scripting vulnerability arises from inadequate input sanitization during web page generation processes, creating a persistent security risk that can affect users across multiple sessions. The flaw specifically impacts versions of the plugin ranging from the initial release through version 1.2.1.3, indicating a long-standing issue that has not been properly addressed in the plugin's codebase.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly neutralize user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web pages. When malicious actors exploit this weakness, they can inject malicious scripts into the plugin's administrative interfaces or user-facing pages, which then get stored within the application's database. This stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious code persists and executes whenever affected pages are loaded, making it particularly dangerous as it can compromise multiple users without requiring repeated exploitation attempts. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a fundamental web application security flaw that allows attackers to inject client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to WordPress site administrators and end users who interact with the affected plugin. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute malicious scripts that may steal session cookies, perform unauthorized administrative actions, redirect users to malicious websites, or even install additional malware on compromised systems. The stored nature of the XSS attack means that the malicious payload remains active even after the initial injection, potentially allowing for prolonged unauthorized access to systems. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of data processed through the WordPress platform, as it enables attackers to manipulate the user interface and potentially gain elevated privileges within the affected systems.
Security mitigations for CVE-2025-31473 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that have addressed the input sanitization flaws. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious content from being stored or executed within the application. Network-based security controls including web application firewalls and content filtering solutions can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and penetration testing of WordPress installations should include verification of plugin security configurations and monitoring for signs of persistent malicious scripts. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1566 for social engineering and T1059 for command and scripting interpreters, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive strategies that address both the technical flaw and potential exploitation vectors. System administrators should also consider implementing security monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous script execution patterns and unauthorized modifications to web content.