CVE-2025-30593
📋 TL;DR
This stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the WordPress Include URL plugin allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages. When exploited, these scripts execute in victims' browsers, potentially stealing session cookies or performing actions as authenticated users. All WordPress sites using Include URL version 0.3.5 or earlier are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress Include URL 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 sites, deface websites, or install backdoors for persistent access.
Likely Case
Attackers inject malicious JavaScript to steal user session cookies, redirect visitors to phishing sites, or perform actions as authenticated users.
If Mitigated
With proper input validation and output encoding, malicious scripts would be neutralized before reaching users' browsers.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires the attacker to have contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts. The vulnerability is stored/persistent, meaning injected scripts remain until removed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 0.3.6 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/plugin/include-url/vulnerability/wordpress-include-url-0-3-5-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 'Include URL' plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update is available. 5. Alternatively, download version 0.3.6+ from WordPress repository and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Include URL Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate include-url
Implement WAF Rules
allAdd web application firewall rules to block XSS payloads targeting Include URL endpoints
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict user roles: Limit contributor and author access to trusted users only
- Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to mitigate script execution impact
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin → Plugins → Installed Plugins for Include URL version. If version is 0.3.5 or earlier, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get include-url --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify Include URL plugin shows version 0.3.6 or later in WordPress plugins list.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to Include URL endpoints with script tags
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful contributor/admin login
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing malicious script payloads to /wp-content/plugins/include-url/ endpoints
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND ("include-url" OR "include_url") AND ("<script>" OR "javascript:" OR "onerror=" OR "onload=")