CVE-2025-12803
📋 TL;DR
The Bold Page Builder WordPress plugin has a stored XSS vulnerability in its 'bt_bb_tabs' shortcode. 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 the plugin up to version 5.5.1.
💻 Affected Systems
- Bold Page Builder 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 inject malicious scripts to steal user session cookies, redirect visitors to phishing pages, or display unwanted advertisements.
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 at least contributor privileges. Public proof-of-concept exists in vulnerability reports.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 5.5.2 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/bold-page-builder
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find Bold Page Builder and click 'Update Now'. 4. Verify update to version 5.5.2 or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Contributor Content Publishing
allTemporarily restrict contributor users from publishing content until patch is applied.
Use WordPress role management plugins or custom code to modify contributor capabilities
Remove Shortcode Usage
allDisable or remove usage of the vulnerable 'bt_bb_tabs' shortcode from all pages and posts.
Search and remove [bt_bb_tabs] shortcode from all WordPress content
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict user role management - limit contributor accounts to trusted users only
- Enable web application firewall with XSS protection rules
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin → Plugins → Bold Page Builder version. If version is 5.5.1 or lower, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin list --name=bold-page-builder --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
After update, verify Bold Page Builder version is 5.5.2 or higher in WordPress plugins list.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual content modifications by contributor users
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful contributor login
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected script tags in page responses containing 'bt_bb_tabs' attributes
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress" AND (event="plugin_update" AND plugin="bold-page-builder" AND version<="5.5.1") OR (event="content_modified" AND user_role="contributor")🔗 References
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/bold-page-builder/tags/5.4.8/content_elements/bt_bb_tabs/bt_bb_tabs.php
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/bold-page-builder/tags/5.4.8/content_elements/bt_bb_tabs/bt_bb_tabs.php#L65
- https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/64f30329-ecf2-4e30-bc23-9d447e239e08?source=cve
