CVE-2025-14298
📋 TL;DR
This stored XSS vulnerability in the FiboSearch WordPress plugin allows authenticated attackers with Contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts into web pages. The scripts execute when users visit compromised pages, potentially stealing session cookies or redirecting to malicious sites. This affects WordPress sites using FiboSearch plugin up to version 1.32.0 with TheGem theme and specific configuration settings.
💻 Affected Systems
- FiboSearch – Ajax Search for WooCommerce 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, redirect users to phishing sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users, potentially leading to full site compromise.
Likely Case
Session hijacking, cookie theft, or defacement of affected pages through injected malicious scripts.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper user role management and content review processes are in place, with scripts potentially blocked by CSP headers.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated access (Contributor role or higher). Exploitation is straightforward once access is obtained.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.32.1 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://wordpress.org/plugins/ajax-search-for-woocommerce/#developers
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'FiboSearch – Ajax Search for WooCommerce'. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update is available. 5. Alternatively, download version 1.32.1+ from WordPress.org and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable configuration
allDisable TheGem theme integration or Header Builder mode if not required
Restrict user roles
allLimit Contributor and higher role assignments to trusted users only
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict script execution
- Regularly audit user accounts and review content from Contributor+ users
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin → Plugins → FiboSearch version. If version ≤1.32.0 and using TheGem theme with required settings, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin list --name='ajax-search-for-woocommerce' --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 1.32.1 or higher in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual shortcode usage in posts/pages
- Multiple content edits from Contributor+ users
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected script loads from WordPress pages
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress" AND (event="post_modified" OR event="shortcode_usage") AND user_role IN ("contributor","author","editor")🔗 References
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/ajax-search-for-woocommerce/tags/1.32.0/partials/themes/thegem-elementor.php#L104
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/ajax-search-for-woocommerce/tags/1.32.0/partials/themes/thegem-elementor.php#L94
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset?sfp_email=&sfph_mail=&reponame=&new=3420841%40ajax-search-for-woocommerce%2Ftrunk&old=3398612%40ajax-search-for-woocommerce%2Ftrunk&sfp_email=&sfph_mail=#file136
- https://wordpress.org/plugins/ajax-search-for-woocommerce
- https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/8149103e-105d-401d-8a15-b07d131baaac?source=cve
