CVE-2025-9877 in Embed Google Datastudio Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/12/2025
The Embed Google Datastudio plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the plugin's 'egds' shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 1.0.0 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 • 09/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-9877 affects the Embed Google Datastudio plugin for WordPress, representing a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw that undermines the security integrity of WordPress installations. This vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's 'egds' shortcode functionality and exists in all versions up to and including 1.0.0, making it a persistent threat across multiple releases. The flaw stems from inadequate input sanitization measures and insufficient output escaping mechanisms that fail to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied attributes before processing them within the shortcode implementation. 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 nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting as a weakness where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages without proper validation or escaping. This stored XSS vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to inject malicious scripts that persist in the database and execute whenever legitimate users access pages containing the injected content. The attack vector specifically exploits the plugin's shortcode processing mechanism, where user-supplied parameters are not adequately sanitized before being rendered in web pages. The vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts in the context of the victim's browser, potentially allowing for session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The fact that this affects pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page demonstrates the persistent nature of the threat, as the malicious code remains embedded in the content and executes automatically upon page load.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the WordPress ecosystem. An attacker with contributor privileges can inject malicious scripts that could steal administrator credentials, modify content, or redirect users to phishing sites. The vulnerability's presence in the shortcode functionality means that even seemingly innocuous content can become a vector for exploitation, as the injected scripts can leverage the elevated privileges of authenticated users. This creates a significant risk for WordPress sites that rely on contributor-level users for content management, as these users can inadvertently or maliciously introduce persistent threats that affect all site visitors. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious code remains active even after the initial injection, creating a long-term threat that can persist across multiple user sessions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-9877 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the sanitization and escaping deficiencies. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, particularly for shortcode parameters and attributes. The implementation of proper output escaping mechanisms is essential to prevent malicious scripts from executing in rendered web pages. Security teams should also consider implementing content security policies that restrict script execution and limit the potential impact of successful XSS attacks. Additionally, regular security audits of WordPress plugins should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, and access controls should be carefully monitored to limit contributor privileges where possible. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices, including input validation, output escaping, and proper error handling, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and other industry security standards. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring systems that can detect and prevent XSS attack patterns, as these provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities in the WordPress ecosystem.