CVE-2025-13592
📋 TL;DR
The Advanced Ads WordPress plugin up to version 2.0.14 contains a remote code execution vulnerability via the 'change-ad__content' shortcode parameter. Authenticated attackers with editor-level permissions or higher can execute arbitrary code on the server. This affects WordPress sites using vulnerable versions of the Advanced Ads plugin.
💻 Affected Systems
- Advanced Ads 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
Complete server compromise allowing attackers to install backdoors, steal data, deface websites, or pivot to other systems.
Likely Case
Website defacement, data theft, malware installation, or cryptocurrency mining.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper access controls and monitoring are in place, but still represents significant risk.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access with editor permissions. The vulnerability is in the shortcode parameter handling.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.0.15
Vendor Advisory: https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3427297/advanced-ads#file9
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find Advanced Ads plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available. 5. Alternatively, download version 2.0.15+ from WordPress repository and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove vulnerable plugin
allTemporarily disable or remove the Advanced Ads plugin until patched.
wp plugin deactivate advanced-ads
wp plugin delete advanced-ads
Restrict user permissions
allReview and limit editor-level permissions to trusted users only.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and review all users with editor permissions
- Deploy web application firewall rules to block suspicious shortcode parameter usage
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel → Plugins → Advanced Ads → Version number. If version is 2.0.14 or lower, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get advanced-ads --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 2.0.15 or higher in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests containing 'change-ad__content' parameter
- Suspicious PHP execution in plugin directories
- Editor-level users making unexpected content changes
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with encoded payloads in shortcode parameters
- Outbound connections from WordPress server to unknown IPs
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND "change-ad__content" AND ("POST" OR "php")