CVE-2025-39574 in Uix Shortcodes Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/16/2025
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in UIUX Lab Uix Shortcodes allows Stored XSS. This issue affects Uix Shortcodes: from n/a through 2.0.4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-39574 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness within the UIUX Lab Uix Shortcodes plugin, specifically manifesting as a stored XSS flaw that enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. This vulnerability exists in versions ranging from an unspecified starting point through version 2.0.4, creating a substantial attack surface for malicious actors targeting WordPress installations that utilize this plugin. The flaw stems from inadequate input sanitization during the web page generation process, where user-supplied data fails to be properly neutralized before being rendered in web content.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of shortcode parameters or content fields within the plugin's interface. When administrators or users input data containing malicious script code into fields managed by Uix Shortcodes, the system fails to adequately sanitize this input before storing it in the database. Subsequently, when other users access pages containing these stored shortcodes, the malicious scripts execute in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. This stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious payload persists even after the initial injection, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over extended periods.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for WordPress sites relying on the Uix Shortcodes plugin. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to user sessions, potentially compromising administrator accounts and entire website infrastructures. The vulnerability's classification as CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation - aligns with established patterns of XSS vulnerabilities where insufficient input validation allows malicious code execution. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a web application vulnerability exploitation technique, specifically mapping to T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, where attackers target web applications to establish persistent access to target networks.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2025-39574 requires immediate action from affected organizations to upgrade to the latest version of the Uix Shortcodes plugin where the vulnerability has been addressed. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent similar issues in other custom or third-party plugins. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing content security policies and regular security audits of their WordPress installations to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date plugins and implementing robust security practices to prevent exploitation of web application flaws that can lead to complete system compromise.