CVE-2025-14555
📋 TL;DR
This stored XSS vulnerability in the Countdown Timer WordPress plugin allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts into website pages. When users visit pages containing the injected shortcode, the scripts execute in their browsers, potentially stealing credentials or performing unauthorized actions. All WordPress sites using this plugin up to version 2.7.7 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Countdown Timer – Widget Countdown 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 with contributor accounts inject malicious scripts that steal user session cookies or credentials when visitors view affected pages.
If Mitigated
With proper user access controls and content security policies, impact is limited to isolated script execution without data exfiltration.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires contributor-level WordPress access. The vulnerability is well-documented with code references, making weaponization likely.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.7.8
Vendor Advisory: https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3425959/
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Countdown Timer – Widget Countdown'. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available, or manually update to version 2.7.8+. 5. Verify update completes successfully.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove Contributor XSS Capability
allTemporarily restrict contributor users from publishing posts or using shortcodes
Use WordPress role editor plugins or custom code to modify contributor capabilities
Disable Plugin
linuxDeactivate the vulnerable plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate widget-countdown
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to block inline script execution
- Regularly audit user accounts and remove unnecessary contributor-level access
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin → Plugins → Installed Plugins for 'Countdown Timer – Widget Countdown' version 2.7.7 or lowerCheck Version:
wp plugin list --name=widget-countdown --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm plugin version is 2.7.8 or higher in WordPress plugins list📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual shortcode modifications in post/page edits by contributor users
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful contributor login
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected script tags in page responses containing 'wpdevart_countdown'
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND ("wpdevart_countdown" OR "widget-countdown") AND ("shortcode" OR "update_post")🔗 References
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/widget-countdown/trunk/includes/front_end.php#L167
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/widget-countdown/trunk/includes/front_end.php#L30
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/widget-countdown/trunk/includes/front_end.php#L48
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3425959/
- https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/ee84c720-7997-4c09-a2f9-5e1a28bd1100?source=cve
