CVE-2025-23896
📋 TL;DR
This DOM-based cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Mindmeister Shortcode WordPress plugin allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. It affects WordPress sites using the Mindmeister Shortcode plugin version 1.0 and earlier. Attackers can steal session cookies, redirect users, or perform actions on their behalf.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress Mindmeister Shortcode 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 steal administrator session cookies, gain full control of the WordPress site, install backdoors, deface the site, or steal sensitive user data.
Likely Case
Attackers steal user session cookies, redirect visitors to malicious sites, or perform limited actions within user contexts.
If Mitigated
With proper input validation and output encoding, the vulnerability is prevented, and no exploitation occurs.
🎯 Exploit Status
DOM-based XSS typically requires user interaction but can be exploited via crafted links or forms.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.0.1 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find Mindmeister Shortcode and update to version 1.0.1 or later. 4. If update not available, deactivate and delete the plugin.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allDeactivate the Mindmeister Shortcode plugin to eliminate the vulnerability.
wp plugin deactivate mindmeister-shortcode
Implement WAF Rules
allConfigure web application firewall to block XSS payloads targeting the vulnerable endpoint.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Deactivate the Mindmeister Shortcode plugin immediately.
- Implement strict Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to mitigate XSS impact.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Installed Plugins for Mindmeister Shortcode version 1.0 or earlier.Check Version:
wp plugin get mindmeister-shortcode --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm plugin version is 1.0.1 or later in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST/GET requests to WordPress pages with script tags or JavaScript payloads in parameters.
- Multiple failed XSS attempts in web server logs.
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing suspicious script tags or encoded JavaScript in URL parameters.
SIEM Query:
source="web_server_logs" AND (uri="*<script>*" OR uri="*javascript:*" OR params="*alert(*")