CVE-2025-57952 in Maps for WP Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/22/2025
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in icopydoc Maps for WP allows Stored XSS. This issue affects Maps for WP: from n/a through 1.2.5.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-57952 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the icopydoc Maps for WP plugin, specifically targeting versions ranging from the initial release through 1.2.5. This stored XSS vulnerability occurs during the web page generation process when user input is improperly neutralized, creating an attack vector that allows malicious actors to inject persistent scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The flaw resides in how the plugin handles input data during the map rendering and display phases, where user-supplied parameters are not adequately sanitized before being incorporated into dynamic web content. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a fundamental web application security weakness that enables attackers to execute scripts in the context of other users' browsers. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a code injection technique under the T1566.001 sub-technique, specifically targeting web application vulnerabilities that allow for persistent script execution. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection as it can enable session hijacking, credential theft, and full browser compromise of authenticated users who interact with the compromised web pages. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting malicious input through the plugin's map configuration interfaces or data import mechanisms, which then gets stored in the application's database and executed whenever other users view the affected map content. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that the malicious scripts persist in the system and can affect multiple users over time, unlike reflected XSS which requires user interaction with a specific malicious link. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where multiple administrators or users interact with map data, as the attack can propagate through legitimate user sessions and potentially escalate to full system compromise. The vulnerability's scope is limited to the icopydoc Maps for WP plugin, but its impact on the WordPress ecosystem can be significant given the widespread adoption of this plugin. The affected versions indicate that the issue existed across the entire release cycle, suggesting a fundamental flaw in the input processing pipeline rather than a specific regression. Organizations using this plugin must consider the broader implications of such vulnerabilities, as they can serve as entry points for more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within compromised networks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to first gain access to the plugin's administrative or data input interfaces where the stored XSS can occur. The attack typically involves injecting malicious JavaScript code into fields that control map parameters, layer configurations, or data source specifications. When legitimate users subsequently view the affected map pages, their browsers execute the stored scripts, potentially stealing cookies, redirecting to malicious sites, or performing other harmful actions. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and output encoding practices that are fundamental to preventing XSS attacks. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability aligns with the OWASP Top Ten 2021 category A03: Injection, as the improper handling of user input constitutes a classic injection flaw. The ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 sub-technique covers script-based attacks, which directly applies to this vulnerability's exploitation methods. The lack of proper input sanitization and context-aware output encoding in the plugin's codebase creates an environment where attacker-controlled data can be interpreted as executable code rather than mere data. This flaw can be particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where administrators or content editors may unknowingly introduce malicious scripts through legitimate administrative functions. The vulnerability's persistence means that even after the initial injection, the malicious code remains active until manually removed from the database, providing attackers with extended periods of access and control. The plugin's architecture appears to lack proper security controls around user input processing, which is a critical design flaw in modern web application security practices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-57952 must include immediate remediation actions to address the root cause of the stored XSS vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to the latest version of the icopydoc Maps for WP plugin where the vulnerability has been patched, as this represents the most effective immediate solution. Security teams should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent similar issues in other applications and plugins within their WordPress environment. The remediation process should include database cleanup to remove any previously injected malicious scripts and thorough monitoring of user activity for signs of exploitation. Network security controls such as web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block known XSS attack patterns targeting this specific vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their WordPress installations to identify other potential vulnerabilities in plugins and themes that may exhibit similar input handling flaws. Regular security audits and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to proactively identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by attackers. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to prevent script execution even if input validation fails. Security awareness training for administrators should emphasize the importance of plugin updates and the risks associated with using outdated software components that may contain known vulnerabilities. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and the potential consequences of failing to address known security flaws in widely-used web applications. Organizations should establish robust patch management processes specifically for WordPress environments, ensuring that security updates are applied promptly to protect against known vulnerabilities. The combination of immediate patching, network monitoring, and comprehensive security assessments provides the most effective approach to mitigating the risks associated with this stored XSS vulnerability.