CVE-2025-10139
📋 TL;DR
The WP BookWidgets WordPress plugin has a stored XSS vulnerability in its 'bw_link' shortcode that allows authenticated attackers with contributor access or higher to inject malicious scripts into pages. These scripts execute when users view the compromised pages, potentially stealing credentials or performing unauthorized actions. All WordPress sites using WP BookWidgets version 0.9 or earlier are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- WP BookWidgets 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, deface websites, redirect users to malicious sites, or install backdoors for persistent access.
Likely Case
Attackers with contributor access inject malicious scripts to steal user session cookies or credentials from visitors viewing compromised pages.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls limiting contributor accounts and regular security monitoring, impact is limited to potential defacement of specific pages.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated access (contributor or higher) and knowledge of WordPress shortcode usage. No public exploit code available as of analysis.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 0.9
Vendor Advisory: https://wordpress.org/plugins/wp-bookwidgets
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find WP BookWidgets and check for updates. 4. If update available, click 'Update Now'. 5. If no update available, deactivate and remove the plugin immediately.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove Contributor Access
allTemporarily remove contributor-level access from all users until patch is applied.
Disable Shortcode
allRemove or disable the 'bw_link' shortcode from all posts and pages.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Deactivate and remove the WP BookWidgets plugin completely
- Implement strict user access controls and monitor contributor activities
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel → Plugins → Installed Plugins for WP BookWidgets version 0.9 or earlier.Check Version:
wp plugin list --name=wp-bookwidgets --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify WP BookWidgets is updated to version after 0.9 or completely removed from plugins list.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual shortcode modifications in post/page edits
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful contributor login
- Suspicious JavaScript in post content
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected external script loads from WordPress pages
- Suspicious redirects from legitimate pages
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND ("bw_link" OR "wp-bookwidgets") AND ("edit" OR "update")