CVE-2025-13835
📋 TL;DR
This stored XSS vulnerability in the Arconix Shortcodes WordPress plugin allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages that persist and execute when other users view those pages. All WordPress sites using vulnerable versions of this plugin are affected, potentially compromising user sessions and site integrity.
💻 Affected Systems
- Tyche Softwares Arconix Shortcodes 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, take over the WordPress site, deface content, or redirect users to malicious sites, potentially leading to complete site compromise and data theft.
Likely Case
Attackers inject malicious JavaScript to steal user session cookies, perform actions on behalf of users, or display phishing content to visitors.
If Mitigated
With proper input validation and output encoding, malicious scripts would be neutralized before execution, preventing successful exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
XSS vulnerabilities are commonly exploited, though specific exploit details for this CVE aren't publicly documented. Attackers typically need some level of access to inject malicious content.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.1.20 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find Arconix Shortcodes and click 'Update Now'. 4. Alternatively, download version 2.1.20+ from WordPress.org and manually replace the plugin files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily deactivate the Arconix Shortcodes plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate arconix-shortcodes
Content Security Policy
allImplement CSP headers to restrict script execution sources
Add to .htaccess: Header set Content-Security-Policy "default-src 'self'; script-src 'self'"
Add to nginx config: add_header Content-Security-Policy "default-src 'self'; script-src 'self'";
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with XSS protection rules
- Disable user input fields that accept shortcodes or implement strict input validation
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin → Plugins → Installed Plugins for Arconix Shortcodes version. If version is 2.1.19 or lower, you're vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get arconix-shortcodes --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify the plugin version shows 2.1.20 or higher in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to admin-ajax.php or admin-post.php containing script tags
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful login from new IP
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections to suspicious domains from your WordPress server
- Unexpected JavaScript includes in page responses
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND ("arconix" OR "shortcode") AND ("script" OR "javascript" OR "onclick")