CVE-2025-9488 in Redux Framework Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/13/2025
The Redux Framework plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the ‘data’ parameter in all versions up to, and including, 4.5.8 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 • 12/13/2025
The Redux Framework plugin for WordPress represents a widely used administrative interface builder that allows developers to create complex theme and plugin options panels. This vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 4.5.8, making it a significant concern for WordPress installations that rely on this popular framework. The flaw exists within the plugin's handling of user input through the 'data' parameter, which is processed in a manner that fails to properly sanitize or escape potentially malicious content. Security researchers have identified this issue as a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that can be exploited by authenticated attackers who possess Contributor-level privileges or higher, effectively lowering the barrier for exploitation compared to many other web vulnerabilities that require administrator access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the Redux Framework's data processing pipeline. When an authenticated user with sufficient privileges submits data through the plugin's interface, the 'data' parameter is not properly sanitized before being stored in the WordPress database. This stored data is then later retrieved and displayed without proper output escaping, creating the conditions for persistent cross-site scripting attacks. The vulnerability manifests when malicious scripts are injected into the data parameter and subsequently executed in the context of other users' browsers who access pages containing the compromised data. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications, and represents a classic case of stored XSS where the malicious payload persists in the application's data stores rather than being reflected in a single request.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the compromised WordPress environment. An attacker with Contributor-level access could inject scripts that steal authentication cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, modify content displayed to other users, or even escalate privileges further within the WordPress installation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only Contributor-level access, which is often granted to content editors, authors, or other trusted users within WordPress installations. This means that a relatively low-privilege attacker can potentially compromise the entire WordPress site's security, especially when combined with other vulnerabilities or social engineering techniques. The attack vector operates through the normal workflow of content management, making detection more challenging as the malicious activity appears legitimate within the normal administrative interface.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that have addressed the sanitization and escaping issues. Organizations should implement strict input validation measures that sanitize all user-provided data before storage, particularly focusing on the 'data' parameter handling within the Redux Framework. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script execution, while regular security audits of WordPress plugins should include verification of input sanitization practices. Administrators should also consider implementing role-based access controls that limit the ability of low-privilege users to modify critical configuration data, though this approach should not be relied upon as the sole defense mechanism. According to ATT&CK framework categorization, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566.001 for spearphishing attachment, as the XSS payload could be used to deliver additional malicious payloads or enable further exploitation. Regular monitoring of WordPress plugin repositories and security advisories should be implemented to quickly identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in the broader WordPress ecosystem.