CVE-2025-23886
📋 TL;DR
This stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Annie WordPress plugin allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages that are then executed when other users view those pages. The vulnerability affects all Annie plugin versions up to and including 2.1.1. WordPress sites using vulnerable versions of this plugin are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Annie 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 session cookies, take over WordPress admin accounts, deface websites, redirect users to malicious sites, or install backdoors for persistent access.
Likely Case
Attackers inject malicious JavaScript to steal user session cookies or credentials, potentially compromising user accounts and enabling further attacks.
If Mitigated
With proper input validation and output encoding, malicious scripts would be neutralized before reaching users, preventing exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Stored XSS vulnerabilities are commonly exploited. The Patchstack reference provides technical details that could be used to create exploits.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Versions after 2.1.1
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/plugin/annie/vulnerability/wordpress-annie-plugin-2-1-1-cross-site-scripting-xss-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Annie' plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update available. 5. If no update available, deactivate and delete the plugin.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Annie Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched version is available
wp plugin deactivate annie
Implement WAF Rules
allConfigure web application firewall to block XSS payloads targeting Annie endpoints
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove Annie plugin completely and use alternative functionality
- Implement strict Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to mitigate script execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel → Plugins → Installed Plugins for Annie plugin versionCheck Version:
wp plugin get annie --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Annie plugin version is greater than 2.1.1 or plugin is removed📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to Annie plugin endpoints
- JavaScript payloads in request parameters
- Multiple failed XSS attempts
Network Indicators:
- Malicious script tags in HTTP requests to Annie-related URLs
- Unexpected outbound connections after visiting Annie pages
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND ("annie" OR "/wp-content/plugins/annie/") AND ("<script>" OR "javascript:" OR "onerror=" OR "onload=")