CVE-2025-0845
📋 TL;DR
The DesignThemes Core Features WordPress plugin has a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability in versions up to 4.8. Authenticated attackers with contributor-level permissions or higher can inject malicious scripts via shortcode attributes, which execute when users view affected pages. This affects WordPress sites using the vulnerable plugin.
💻 Affected Systems
- DesignThemes Core Features WordPress Plugin
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could steal administrator credentials, redirect users to malicious sites, deface websites, or install backdoors for persistent access.
Likely Case
Attackers with contributor access inject malicious scripts to steal user session cookies or redirect visitors to phishing pages.
If Mitigated
With proper user role management and content review, impact is limited to potential defacement of specific pages.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access with contributor privileges or higher. The vulnerability is in shortcode attribute handling.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 4.9 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://themeforest.net/item/lms-learning-management-system-education-lms-wordpress-theme/7867581
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins. 3. Find DesignThemes Core Features plugin. 4. Update to version 4.9 or later. 5. Verify update completes successfully.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove Contributor Shortcode Permissions
allRestrict contributor users from using shortcodes via role management plugins
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily disable the DesignThemes Core Features plugin until patched
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict content review for all contributor-submitted posts and pages
- Use web application firewall rules to block suspicious script injection patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > DesignThemes Core Features > Version numberCheck Version:
wp plugin list --name='DesignThemes Core Features' --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm plugin version is 4.9 or higher in WordPress admin panel📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual shortcode usage in post/page edits
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful contributor login
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected script tags in page responses containing shortcode attributes
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND ("shortcode" AND "script" OR "onclick" OR "javascript:")