CVE-2025-7957 in ShortcodeHub Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/23/2025
The ShortcodeHub plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the ‘author_link_target’ parameter in all versions up to, and including, 1.7.1 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Contributor-level access and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-7957 affects the ShortcodeHub plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions up to and including 1.7.1. This represents a critical security flaw that enables stored cross-site scripting attacks through the 'author_link_target' parameter. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and insufficient output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by authenticated attackers possessing Contributor-level privileges or higher. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts that execute whenever any user accesses a page containing the injected content, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where contributors may have access to content management features.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic stored XSS flaw that operates through parameter manipulation within the WordPress plugin architecture. Attackers can leverage the 'author_link_target' parameter to inject malicious JavaScript code that gets stored within the plugin's data handling mechanisms. This stored content remains persistent until explicitly removed, meaning that any user who accesses pages containing the injected scripts becomes a potential victim of the attack. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications, and represents a direct violation of proper input validation and output encoding practices that are fundamental to web security. The attack vector specifically targets the plugin's handling of user-provided data without adequate sanitization, creating an environment where malicious scripts can be executed in the context of the victim's browser session.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to WordPress installations using the ShortcodeHub plugin, particularly in environments where multiple users have Contributor-level access or higher. The threat model assumes that attackers can leverage their privileged access to manipulate the plugin's functionality and inject malicious scripts that will execute whenever other users view affected pages. This creates a persistent attack surface that can be exploited to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform other malicious activities that compromise user security. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only Contributor-level privileges, which are commonly granted to users who need to create and edit content, making the attack surface particularly broad. Organizations using this plugin are at risk of data breaches, user impersonation, and potential lateral movement within their WordPress environments, especially when combined with other vulnerabilities or social engineering tactics.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-7957 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the stored XSS vulnerability through proper input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms. Administrators should implement strict access controls to limit Contributor-level privileges to trusted users only, as this reduces the attack surface for exploitation. The recommended approach includes applying the latest plugin version from the official WordPress repository, which should contain patches addressing the insufficient input sanitization and output escaping issues. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual content modifications, particularly in areas where the 'author_link_target' parameter is used. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Organizations should also consider implementing regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes to identify similar vulnerabilities, with particular attention to input validation and output encoding practices. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the patched version to ensure that the XSS vulnerability is completely resolved while maintaining all intended plugin functionality. Additionally, administrators should educate users about the risks associated with granting elevated privileges and monitor for suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts.