CVE-2025-50046 in WPComplete Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/20/2025
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in StellarWP WPComplete allows Stored XSS. This issue affects WPComplete: from n/a through 2.9.5.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-50046 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the StellarWP WPComplete plugin, specifically impacting versions ranging from an unspecified initial version through 2.9.5. This stored XSS vulnerability arises from inadequate input sanitization during web page generation processes, creating a persistent security risk that can affect multiple users simultaneously. The flaw manifests when user-supplied data is not properly escaped or validated before being rendered in web pages, allowing malicious scripts to be injected and subsequently executed in the context of other users' browsers. Such vulnerabilities fall under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a fundamental web application security weakness that enables attackers to inject client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to adequately neutralize user input during the dynamic generation of web content. When users interact with the WPComplete plugin, their input data may be stored in the database and subsequently retrieved for display on web pages without proper HTML escaping or context-appropriate sanitization. This allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that, when executed, can perform actions such as stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that once malicious input is submitted and processed, it remains persistent in the system and affects all users who view the affected content, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where administrators and regular users may be exposed to the same malicious content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors that compromise entire user sessions and potentially lead to full system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access through session hijacking, inject malicious advertisements or content, or redirect users to phishing sites designed to capture credentials. The vulnerability affects the plugin's web page generation capabilities, which likely includes dashboard elements, user interface components, and potentially administrative functions, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to gain unauthorized access to WordPress installations. This stored XSS vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited across multiple user sessions, potentially allowing attackers to maintain access over extended periods without requiring repeated exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread use of WordPress and the prevalence of plugins like WPComplete that may be installed on numerous websites, creating a large attack surface for potential exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected plugin to the latest version that contains security fixes, as well as implementing comprehensive input validation and output sanitization measures throughout the application. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied input is properly escaped before being rendered in web pages, particularly in contexts where HTML content is generated dynamically. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded and executed. Regular security audits of plugin installations, combined with monitoring for suspicious user activity and unauthorized content modifications, will help identify potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation within WordPress installations can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content and T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution, making it a critical component in the attack chain that requires immediate remediation to prevent broader compromise of affected systems.