CVE-2025-46471 in WP Custom Post Popup Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/24/2025
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in gnanavelshenll WP Custom Post Popup allows DOM-Based XSS. This issue affects WP Custom Post Popup: from n/a through 1.0.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw classified as CWE-79 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, specifically manifesting as a DOM-based XSS attack within the gnanavelshenll WP Custom Post Popup plugin. The vulnerability occurs during the web page generation process when user input is improperly sanitized or neutralized before being incorporated into dynamic content. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that manipulate the Document Object Model directly through browser-side scripting, bypassing traditional server-side input validation mechanisms that typically protect against such attacks. The affected version range spans from an unspecified initial version through 1.0.1, indicating that all versions within this release cycle contain the vulnerable code path.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly escape or encode user-supplied data when generating dynamic HTML content for popup displays. When the plugin processes user input for custom post popup configurations, it directly incorporates this data into the DOM without adequate sanitization measures, creating an environment where malicious scripts can be injected and executed within the context of the victim's browser session. This DOM-based variant is particularly dangerous because it operates entirely within the browser without requiring server-side processing, making it more difficult to detect and prevent through conventional security measures. The vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors that leverage the attacker's ability to manipulate the browser's DOM structure. An attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability to steal cookies, modify page content, redirect users to phishing sites, or even perform actions on behalf of authenticated users if they can manipulate the plugin's functionality. The vulnerability affects WordPress environments where the gnanavelshenll WP Custom Post Popup plugin is installed and active, potentially compromising numerous websites that rely on this specific plugin for custom post display functionality. Given the nature of DOM-based XSS, the attack surface includes any user interaction with popup elements that process user-provided parameters, making it particularly concerning for websites with high user engagement or administrative features.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 1.0.2 or later where the XSS vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization and output encoding. System administrators should implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution capabilities and prevent unauthorized code injection attempts. Additionally, the implementation of proper input validation and output encoding at the DOM level can serve as defensive measures against similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security audits of their WordPress installations to identify other potentially vulnerable plugins and ensure that all third-party components are regularly updated. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for Scripting and T1531 for Account Access Removal, highlighting the potential for privilege escalation and session manipulation through successful exploitation. Regular monitoring of plugin repositories and security advisories is essential for maintaining protection against similar vulnerabilities that may emerge in the WordPress ecosystem.