CVE-2025-8294 in Download Counter Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/05/2025
The Download Counter plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the ‘name’ parameter in all versions up to, and including, 1.3 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 • 08/05/2025
The CVE-2025-8294 vulnerability affects the Download Counter plugin for WordPress, representing a significant security flaw that enables stored cross-site scripting attacks. This vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 1.3, making it a widespread concern for WordPress installations that utilize this plugin. The flaw specifically targets the 'name' parameter within the plugin's functionality, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject persistent script code into the application's data storage. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning because it requires only Contributor-level access or higher, meaning that users with relatively low privileges can exploit this weakness to compromise the entire WordPress environment.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and insufficient output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's code implementation. When users with Contributor-level permissions submit data through the 'name' parameter, the plugin fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before storing it in the database. Additionally, the plugin does not adequately escape output when displaying this data, creating conditions where malicious scripts can be stored and subsequently executed whenever affected pages are accessed. This combination of input validation failures and output escaping deficiencies creates a classic stored XSS vulnerability pattern that aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices that should prevent such data injection attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to compromise user sessions, steal sensitive information, and potentially escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. When authenticated users access pages containing the injected scripts, the malicious code executes in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data exfiltration, or further exploitation of the compromised systems. The vulnerability's accessibility to users with Contributor-level permissions significantly amplifies its threat potential, as it can be exploited by individuals who typically have limited access rights but can now leverage this weakness to gain broader system control. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where various roles and permissions are in place.
Organizations and WordPress administrators should immediately implement several mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The most critical immediate action involves updating to the latest version of the Download Counter plugin where this vulnerability has been patched. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms at the application level provides defense-in-depth measures that can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from manifesting in other components. Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect suspicious script injection patterns, while regular security audits should verify that all WordPress plugins and themes are properly sanitized and updated. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of role-based access control enforcement and regular privilege reviews to minimize the potential impact of such attacks, as the low privilege requirement makes it particularly challenging to defend against. Organizations should also consider implementing content security policies and other web application firewalls to provide additional layers of protection against XSS attacks.