CVE-2025-8685 in WP Chart Generator Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/12/2025
The Wp chart generator plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the plugin's wpchart shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 1.0.4 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user supplied attributes. 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 • 08/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-8685 affects the Wp chart generator plugin for WordPress, representing a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw that has been present in all versions up to and including 1.0.4. This security weakness stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's wpchart shortcode implementation. The vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of user-supplied attributes, creating a persistent XSS vector that can be exploited by authenticated attackers who possess contributor-level access or higher privileges within the WordPress environment. The flaw exists at the intersection of improper input validation and insufficient output encoding, allowing malicious scripts to be stored within the plugin's shortcode parameters and subsequently executed whenever affected pages are accessed by other users.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern that aligns with CWE-79, which catalogs cross-site scripting flaws as a fundamental web application security weakness. Attackers with contributor-level privileges can leverage this vulnerability by injecting malicious JavaScript code through the wpchart shortcode attributes, which are then stored in the WordPress database. When other users navigate to pages containing the compromised shortcode, their browsers execute the injected scripts within the context of their authenticated sessions. This creates a persistent threat that can be used to escalate privileges, steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions, or redirect users to malicious websites. The vulnerability's persistence is particularly concerning as it operates as a stored XSS attack rather than a reflected one, meaning the malicious payload remains embedded in the application's data store and can affect multiple users over time.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-8685 extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the WordPress environment. According to ATT&CK framework category T1548.003, this vulnerability could enable privilege escalation by allowing attackers to execute code with the privileges of other users, potentially leading to full administrative control of the WordPress site. The attack surface is broadened by the fact that the vulnerability affects authenticated users, meaning that even users with relatively low privileges can cause significant damage. The stored nature of the XSS payload means that the attack can persist even after the initial injection, creating a continuous threat vector that can be exploited by any user who accesses the compromised content. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where contributors may have access to publish content or modify existing posts and pages.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-8685 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to the latest version of the Wp chart generator plugin where the vulnerability has been patched, ensuring that all user-supplied attributes are properly sanitized and escaped before being processed or stored. Organizations should implement strict input validation protocols that reject or sanitize any potentially malicious content submitted through the wpchart shortcode parameters. Security measures should include implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution contexts and employing regular security audits of WordPress plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing role-based access controls that limit contributor privileges to only necessary functions, reducing the attack surface available to potential attackers. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper output escaping and input sanitization practices, aligning with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and other industry standards that emphasize the critical need for proper data validation and encoding in web applications.