CVE-2025-39424
📋 TL;DR
This CSRF vulnerability in the Simple Maps WordPress plugin allows attackers to trick authenticated administrators into executing malicious actions, leading to stored cross-site scripting (XSS). Attackers can inject malicious scripts that execute in victims' browsers when viewing affected map pages. WordPress sites using Simple Maps plugin versions up to 0.98 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress Simple Maps 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 inject persistent malicious scripts that steal administrator credentials, hijack admin sessions, deface websites, or redirect visitors to malicious sites.
Likely Case
Attackers create malicious map entries containing JavaScript payloads that execute when users view the map, potentially stealing session cookies or performing actions as the victim.
If Mitigated
With proper CSRF protections and content security policies, the attack surface is reduced, though the vulnerability still exists in the codebase.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires social engineering to trick authenticated users, but the technical execution is straightforward once the victim interacts with the malicious content.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 0.99 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/plugin/interactive-maps/vulnerability/wordpress-simple-maps-plugin-0-98-csrf-to-xss-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find Simple Maps plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update is available. 5. If no update appears, manually download version 0.99+ from WordPress.org and replace plugin files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Temporary Plugin Deactivation
allDisable the Simple Maps plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate simple-maps
CSRF Protection Headers
allImplement Content Security Policy headers to restrict script execution
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 Simple Maps plugin entirely and use alternative mapping solutions
- Implement strict user access controls and educate administrators about CSRF risks
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin → Plugins → Simple Maps → Version number. If version is 0.98 or earlier, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get simple-maps --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 0.99 or later in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with map-related actions
- Multiple failed CSRF token validations in WordPress debug logs
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected iframe or form submissions to map administration endpoints
- Suspicious referrer headers in requests to map update functions
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND ("admin-ajax.php" AND "action=simple_maps") AND status=200