Overview
A Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability has been identified in the Shortcodes Bootstrap plugin for WordPress, tracked as CVE-2025-11764. This vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 1.1 of the plugin. It allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious JavaScript code into website pages. This injected code can then execute in the browsers of unsuspecting users who visit the compromised pages.
Technical Details
The vulnerability resides within the [notification] shortcode functionality provided by the Shortcodes Bootstrap plugin. Specifically, the type parameter within this shortcode lacks proper input sanitization and output escaping. This means that an attacker can insert arbitrary HTML and JavaScript code into the type parameter, which is then stored in the WordPress database.
When a page containing the crafted shortcode is rendered, the unsanitized input is output to the page without being properly escaped. This allows the injected JavaScript code to execute within the user’s browser context, potentially leading to various malicious actions.
The vulnerable code is located in inc/dws_alert.php file. You can review the code (if available) here.
CVSS Analysis
The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) score for this vulnerability is 6.4 (Medium). This score reflects the potential for exploitation and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
- Attack Vector: Network
- Attack Complexity: Low
- Privileges Required: Low (Contributor access or higher)
- User Interaction: Required
- Scope: Changed
- Confidentiality Impact: Low
- Integrity Impact: Low
- Availability Impact: None
Possible Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could have significant consequences:
- Account Takeover: An attacker could potentially steal user cookies or credentials, leading to account compromise.
- Malware Distribution: The injected JavaScript could be used to redirect users to malicious websites or inject malware into their systems.
- Website Defacement: An attacker could modify the content of the affected pages, defacing the website.
- Phishing Attacks: The injected code could be used to create fake login forms or other phishing scams to steal user information.
Mitigation or Patch Steps
The best course of action is to take one of the following steps:
- Update the Plugin: Upgrade to a patched version of the Shortcodes Bootstrap plugin if one is available. Check the WordPress plugin repository or the plugin developer’s website for updates. As of this writing, no update fixing this vulnerability exists. Consider contacting the plugin developer to request a patch.
- Remove the Plugin: If an update is not available or feasible, consider removing the Shortcodes Bootstrap plugin from your WordPress installation to eliminate the risk.
- Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF): A WAF can help detect and block XSS attacks, providing an additional layer of security.
- Sanitize User Input: If you are a plugin developer, ensure that all user-supplied input is properly sanitized and escaped before being stored in the database or displayed on the website.
References
- CVE Record: CVE-2025-11764
- WordPress Plugin Code: shortcodes-bootstrap/trunk/inc/dws_alert.php
- Wordfence Threat Intelligence: Wordfence Vulnerability Report
