CVE-2025-47441 in Progress Bar Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/07/2025
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Chris Reynolds Progress Bar allows Stored XSS. This issue affects Progress Bar: from n/a through 2.2.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the Progress Bar plugin developed by Chris Reynolds, specifically affecting versions through 2.2.3. The issue stems from inadequate input sanitization during web page generation processes, creating an environment where malicious scripts can be persistently stored and executed within user browsers. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-79 which defines improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a classic stored XSS attack vector that can compromise user sessions and data integrity.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs when the plugin fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content. Attackers can exploit this weakness by injecting malicious JavaScript code through input fields or parameters that are then stored within the application's database or configuration files. When other users view pages that contain this stored malicious content, the scripts execute in their browsers, potentially stealing session cookies, redirecting to malicious sites, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of the victims. This stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious payload persists even after the initial injection, making it particularly dangerous for long-term exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that leverage the compromised user sessions. Adversaries can use this weakness to establish persistent access to affected systems, perform data exfiltration, or manipulate the plugin's functionality to create backdoors. The vulnerability affects all versions from the initial release through 2.2.3, indicating a long-standing issue that has not been properly addressed in the plugin's input validation mechanisms. This exposure creates significant risk for websites using the Progress Bar plugin, particularly those handling sensitive user data or requiring secure session management.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate input sanitization improvements and comprehensive code review processes. The plugin developers must implement proper output encoding and input validation mechanisms to prevent malicious content from being stored or executed. Security patches should include strict sanitization of all user inputs, implementation of Content Security Policy headers, and regular security testing of input handling components. Organizations using this plugin should apply updates immediately upon availability and consider implementing additional security layers such as web application firewalls to monitor for suspicious input patterns. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering through malicious content injection, emphasizing the need for robust input validation as a fundamental security control.