CVE-2025-26869
📋 TL;DR
This stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Build WordPress theme allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages that are then executed when other users view those pages. It affects all Build theme installations from initial release through version 1.0.3. WordPress administrators and users who view compromised pages are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Build WordPress Theme
⚠️ 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 within the WordPress environment.
If Mitigated
With proper input validation and output encoding, malicious scripts would be neutralized before reaching users, preventing execution and limiting impact to data integrity issues.
🎯 Exploit Status
XSS vulnerabilities are commonly exploited, and WordPress themes are frequent targets. The vulnerability requires some level of access to inject content.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.13
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/theme/build/vulnerability/wordpress-build-theme-1-13-cross-site-scripting-xss-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Locate Build theme. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update available. 5. If no update appears, manually download version 1.13+ from WordPress repository. 6. Upload and replace current theme files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Sanitization Plugin
allInstall and configure a WordPress security plugin that provides input validation and XSS protection.
Content Security Policy
allImplement a strict Content Security Policy header to restrict script execution sources.
Add to .htaccess: Header set Content-Security-Policy "default-src 'self'; script-src 'self'"
Add to wp-config.php: header("Content-Security-Policy: default-src 'self'");
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable or replace the Build theme with a secure alternative immediately.
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block XSS payloads targeting the vulnerable theme.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes > Build theme details for version number. If version is 1.0.3 or lower, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
WordPress admin panel or check style.css in theme directory for 'Version: ' lineVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify Build theme version shows 1.13 or higher in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to theme-related endpoints
- JavaScript payloads in request parameters
- Multiple failed login attempts following theme updates
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections to suspicious domains from WordPress server
- Unexpected script tags in HTTP responses
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND ("Build" OR "theme") AND ("script" OR "alert" OR "onerror" OR "javascript:")