CVE-2025-57993 in Geolocation IP Detection Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/22/2025
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Benjamin Pick Geolocation IP Detection allows Stored XSS. This issue affects Geolocation IP Detection: from n/a through 5.5.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/22/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2025-57993 represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw in the Benjamin Pick Geolocation IP Detection plugin, classified under CWE-79 as improper neutralization of input during web page generation. This vulnerability specifically impacts the plugin's handling of user-supplied data during the geolocation detection process, where malicious input can be persistently stored and subsequently executed in web browsers of unsuspecting users. The flaw exists within the plugin's web page generation mechanism, where input validation and output encoding procedures fail to adequately sanitize data before it is rendered in HTML contexts, creating an environment where attackers can inject malicious scripts that persist across user sessions.
The technical exploitation of this stored XSS vulnerability occurs when malicious input is accepted through the plugin's geolocation detection functionality and stored within the application's database or configuration files. When subsequent users access pages that display this stored data, the malicious scripts execute within their browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. This vulnerability affects all versions from the initial release through 5.5.0, indicating a long-standing issue that has not been properly addressed in the plugin's codebase. The attack vector leverages the plugin's failure to implement proper input sanitization and output encoding measures, particularly when processing IP address information or geolocation data that may contain malicious payloads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that compromise user security and application integrity. Attackers can leverage this flaw to steal cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive information from authenticated users, potentially leading to full account compromise or privilege escalation within the affected system. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that the malicious payloads remain active until manually removed from the system, allowing attackers to maintain long-term access to victim environments. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 for credential access through manipulation of web applications, potentially enabling further lateral movement within compromised networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-57993 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 5.5.1 or later, which contains the necessary input validation and output encoding fixes. System administrators should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures, including the use of Content Security Policy headers to prevent unauthorized script execution, and ensure that all user-supplied data undergoes proper validation before being processed or stored. The implementation of proper output encoding techniques when rendering geolocation data in web pages serves as a secondary defense mechanism. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious user activity and implementing web application firewalls can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components, as this flaw demonstrates a pattern of inadequate input validation in web-based systems that aligns with common security misconfigurations described in NIST SP 800-53 security controls.