CVE-2025-53300 in Podcast Feed Player Widget and Shortcode Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/27/2025
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in douglaskarr Podcast Feed Player Widget and Shortcode allows Stored XSS. This issue affects Podcast Feed Player Widget and Shortcode: from n/a through 2.2.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/27/2025
The CVE-2025-53300 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the douglaskarr Podcast Feed Player Widget and Shortcode plugin, specifically impacting versions through 2.2.0. This stored XSS vulnerability occurs during web page generation when the plugin fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the plugin's handling of podcast feed data and shortcode parameters, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can inject persistent malicious scripts into the plugin's output. The flaw is categorized under CWE-79 as improper neutralization of input during web page generation, which directly enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of victims' browsers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to submit malicious input through the plugin's user-facing interface or shortcode parameters that are then stored within the WordPress database. When other users view pages containing the affected podcast feed or shortcode, the malicious JavaScript code executes in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The stored nature of this XSS means that the malicious payload persists until manually removed from the database, making it particularly dangerous for websites with multiple contributors or automated content generation. This vulnerability specifically affects the plugin's handling of podcast feed data and shortcode attributes, where user-supplied content is directly rendered without proper sanitization or encoding.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-53300 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to fully compromise user sessions and potentially gain administrative access to affected WordPress installations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal cookies, modify content, redirect users to phishing sites, or even install backdoors for persistent access. The vulnerability affects any website using the affected plugin version, making it a widespread concern for WordPress users who have not updated to the patched version. The stored XSS nature means that even users who do not interact with the malicious content directly can be compromised when they view pages containing the injected scripts, creating a significant risk for high-traffic websites or those with many contributors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-53300 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to the latest version that addresses this vulnerability, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. Administrators should also implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within their WordPress installations, ensuring that all user-generated content is properly sanitized before being stored or displayed. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. Security monitoring should include checking for suspicious shortcode usage or unexpected content modifications, as these may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments and T1059.001 for command and control through malicious code execution, making it a significant concern for organizations implementing comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes remain essential for identifying similar vulnerabilities that could compromise web application security.