Overview
CVE-2025-12124 details a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in the FitVids for WordPress plugin. This vulnerability affects versions up to and including 4.0.1. Attackers with administrator-level permissions can inject malicious JavaScript code into the plugin’s settings. This code then executes whenever a user accesses a page where the injected settings are displayed. This vulnerability is particularly relevant for multi-site installations or installations where the unfiltered_html capability has been explicitly disabled.
Technical Details
The vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping within the FitVids plugin’s admin settings panel. Specifically, user-supplied data submitted through the plugin’s configuration options is not properly validated or encoded before being stored in the WordPress database. Consequently, when this unsanitized data is retrieved and displayed on a page, the injected JavaScript code executes within the user’s browser. The attacker needs administrator privileges (or above) to modify the plugin’s settings and inject the malicious script.
CVSS Analysis
The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) assigns CVE-2025-12124 a score of 4.4 (Medium). This score reflects the following characteristics:
- Attack Vector (AV): Network (N)
- Attack Complexity (AC): Low (L)
- Privileges Required (PR): High (H) – Requires administrator privileges
- User Interaction (UI): Required (R)
- Scope (S): Changed (C)
- Confidentiality Impact (C): Low (L)
- Integrity Impact (I): Low (L)
- Availability Impact (A): Low (L)
While the attacker requires high privileges, the relatively low complexity and network-based attack vector contribute to the medium severity rating.
Possible Impact
Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to:
- Steal sensitive information: JavaScript code can access cookies, session tokens, and other data stored in the user’s browser.
- Deface the website: Inject malicious content to alter the appearance of the website.
- Redirect users to malicious websites: Redirect users to phishing sites or other malicious domains.
- Admin Account Takeover: If the attacker targets another administrator, they could potentially take over their account.
The impact is limited by the need for administrator privileges to inject the script and requires user interaction to trigger the malicious code on a page.
Mitigation or Patch Steps
The recommended mitigation is to update the FitVids for WordPress plugin to a version that addresses this vulnerability. Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be a version past 4.0.1 available. If no updated version is released, consider the following:
- Disable the plugin: If the plugin is not critical, disabling it will prevent exploitation.
- Implement input sanitization (advanced): If you have the technical expertise, you could attempt to manually sanitize input within the plugin’s code. This is not recommended unless you are a skilled WordPress developer as improper modifications could break the plugin or introduce new vulnerabilities.
- Monitor for suspicious activity: Regularly review your WordPress logs for any unusual activity that might indicate an attempted exploitation.
- Consider alternative plugins: Evaluate other video embedding plugins for WordPress that have a better security track record.
Important Note: Since there’s no official patch, disabling the plugin and looking for a safe alternative is the best current approach.
