CVE-2025-31804
📋 TL;DR
This stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the WordPress Follow Us Badges plugin allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages that persist and execute when other users view them. The vulnerability affects all WordPress sites using the Follow Us Badges plugin versions up to and including 3.1.11. Attackers can exploit this to steal session cookies, redirect users, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress Follow Us Badges 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, install backdoors, deface websites, or redirect visitors to malicious sites.
Likely Case
Attackers inject malicious JavaScript to steal user session cookies, potentially compromising user accounts and performing unauthorized actions.
If Mitigated
With proper input validation and output encoding, the malicious scripts would be neutralized before execution, preventing exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access to WordPress admin panel or other input areas. The vulnerability is well-documented with technical details available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 3.1.12 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Follow Us Badges' plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update available. 5. If no update available, deactivate and delete plugin, then install fresh version from WordPress repository.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable plugin
allTemporarily disable the Follow Us Badges plugin until patched version is available
wp plugin deactivate wpsite-follow-us-badges
Implement Content Security Policy
allAdd CSP headers to restrict script execution sources
Add to .htaccess: Header set Content-Security-Policy "default-src 'self'; script-src 'self'"
Add to nginx config: add_header Content-Security-Policy "default-src 'self'; script-src 'self'";
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove the Follow Us Badges plugin completely and use alternative social media badge solutions
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block XSS payload patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel → Plugins → Installed Plugins → Find 'Follow Us Badges' and check version numberCheck Version:
wp plugin get wpsite-follow-us-badges --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 3.1.12 or higher in WordPress admin panel📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to plugin admin endpoints
- Suspicious JavaScript payloads in request parameters
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful login
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from WordPress server after plugin interaction
- Suspicious redirects from legitimate pages
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND ("wpsite-follow-us-badges" OR "follow-us-badges") AND ("<script>" OR "javascript:" OR "onerror=" OR "onload=")