CVE-2025-53292 in WP DataTable Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/27/2025
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in samsk WP DataTable allows DOM-Based XSS. This issue affects WP DataTable: from n/a through 0.2.7.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/28/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the samsk WP DataTable plugin that enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by users. The vulnerability specifically manifests as a DOM-based XSS attack, which occurs when the plugin fails to properly sanitize user input during the dynamic generation of web page content. Unlike traditional reflected or stored XSS vectors, DOM-based XSS exploits the client-side execution environment where JavaScript manipulates the Document Object Model without requiring server-side processing of the malicious payload. The vulnerability affects all versions of the WP DataTable plugin from the initial release through version 0.2.7, indicating a persistent flaw that has remained unpatched for an extended period. This exposure creates a significant risk for WordPress sites utilizing this plugin, as any user input that gets rendered in the plugin's output without proper sanitization can become a vector for malicious code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the plugin's JavaScript processing routines. When user-supplied data is incorporated into dynamic web page generation without proper sanitization, attackers can craft malicious payloads that exploit the browser's interpretation of the DOM structure. The vulnerability typically occurs when the plugin accepts parameters through URL query strings, form inputs, or other user-controllable data sources and directly incorporates this data into DOM manipulation functions such as innerHTML, document.write, or eval operations. This flaw aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, and demonstrates how improper neutralization of input during web page generation creates opportunities for attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of the victim's browser session. The DOM-based nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious script is executed entirely within the victim's browser without being sent to the server, making it particularly challenging to detect through traditional network monitoring approaches.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the context of authenticated users. An attacker could potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, deface web pages, or even escalate privileges if the affected WordPress installation has administrative users interacting with the vulnerable plugin. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions suggests that the plugin developers have not adequately addressed the underlying sanitization issues, creating an extended window of exposure for affected sites. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where WordPress sites may host sensitive data or serve as part of larger web applications. The attack surface is amplified when the plugin is used in conjunction with other security controls, as the XSS vulnerability can bypass many traditional security measures that focus on server-side input validation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the WP DataTable plugin to the latest available version that addresses the XSS flaw. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms at both the application and network levels to prevent malicious payloads from being executed. Security headers such as Content Security Policy should be configured to limit script execution and prevent unauthorized code injection. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes should include checks for similar input sanitization issues, and automated scanning tools should be employed to identify potentially vulnerable components. The implementation of a Web Application Firewall can provide additional protection by filtering suspicious input patterns before they reach the vulnerable plugin. Organizations should also consider implementing proper user input sanitization practices that align with OWASP Top Ten recommendations and ensure that all user-supplied data is properly escaped before being rendered in web page contexts. Given the nature of DOM-based XSS, defensive programming practices that avoid direct DOM manipulation with user input should be prioritized, and developers should leverage safer alternatives such as DOMPurify or similar sanitization libraries to prevent malicious content from being executed in the browser environment.