CVE-2025-11869
📋 TL;DR
The Precise Columns WordPress plugin has a stored XSS vulnerability in the wrap_id shortcode attribute. Authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher can inject malicious scripts that execute when users view compromised pages. This affects all WordPress sites using Precise Columns version 1.0 or earlier.
💻 Affected Systems
- Precise Columns 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 admin 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 session cookies or redirect users to phishing pages.
If Mitigated
With proper input validation and output escaping, the vulnerability would be prevented entirely.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access but is technically simple once access is obtained.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.0.1 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/precise-columns/tags/1.0.1
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find Precise Columns and click 'Update Now'. 4. Verify version is 1.0.1 or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Precise Columns Plugin
allTemporarily deactivate the vulnerable plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate precise-columns
Restrict Contributor Access
linuxTemporarily remove contributor-level access for untrusted users
wp user list --role=contributor --field=ID | xargs wp user set-role subscriber
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block XSS payloads in shortcode attributes
- Regularly audit user accounts and remove unnecessary contributor-level access
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Installed Plugins for Precise Columns version 1.0 or earlierCheck Version:
wp plugin get precise-columns --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Precise Columns plugin version is 1.0.1 or higher in WordPress admin📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual shortcode modifications by contributor-level users
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful contributor login
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections to suspicious domains after page loads
- Unusual JavaScript payloads in HTTP requests
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND ("precise-columns" OR "wrap_id") AND ("script" OR "javascript" OR "onload")