CVE-2025-3503 in WP Maps Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/01/2025
The WP Maps WordPress plugin before 4.7.2 does not sanitise and escape some of its Map settings, which could allow high privilege users such as admin to perform Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks even when the unfiltered_html capability is disallowed (for example in multisite setup).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-3503 affects the WP Maps WordPress plugin version 4.7.1 and earlier, presenting a critical security risk through stored cross-site scripting vulnerabilities. This flaw specifically targets the plugin's handling of map settings where insufficient sanitization and escaping mechanisms leave user input susceptible to malicious code injection. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows users with administrative privileges to execute XSS attacks even in environments where the unfiltered_html capability has been restricted, such as in multisite WordPress configurations where security controls are typically more stringent.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly validate and sanitize user-provided data within its map configuration settings. When administrators configure map parameters through the plugin's interface, the input values are stored in the database without adequate sanitization processes. This creates a persistent XSS vector where malicious scripts can be injected into the plugin's settings and subsequently executed whenever the map data is rendered on the WordPress admin interface or frontend. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with the ability to manipulate administrative interfaces and potentially escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. In multisite configurations where the unfiltered_html capability is typically restricted to prevent unauthorized code execution, this vulnerability effectively bypasses these security controls, allowing administrators to inject malicious scripts that could steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform unauthorized actions within the WordPress admin panel. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious payloads persist in the database and can affect multiple users who access the affected pages.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 4.7.2 or later, which contain the necessary sanitization and escaping fixes. Administrators should also implement additional security measures including regular security audits of installed plugins, monitoring for suspicious administrative activities, and ensuring that only trusted users have administrative privileges. The WordPress security team recommends validating all user input through proper sanitization functions and implementing Content Security Policy headers to further reduce the impact of potential XSS attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular vulnerability scanning to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and highlights how seemingly minor security oversights in plugin development can create significant risks in enterprise environments.