CVE-2025-39444
📋 TL;DR
This stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the MaxButtons WordPress plugin allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages that are then executed when other users view those pages. All WordPress sites using MaxButtons versions up to 9.8.3 are affected. Attackers can steal session cookies, redirect users, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users.
💻 Affected Systems
- MaxButtons WordPress 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 inject malicious scripts that steal user session cookies, redirect visitors to phishing sites, or display unwanted advertisements.
If Mitigated
With proper input validation and output encoding, malicious scripts are neutralized before reaching users, preventing execution.
🎯 Exploit Status
Stored XSS vulnerabilities are commonly exploited. Attackers need some level of access to inject malicious scripts, but once stored, they affect all users viewing the compromised page.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 9.8.4 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find MaxButtons and click 'Update Now'. 4. Verify update completes successfully.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable MaxButtons Plugin
allTemporarily deactivate the vulnerable plugin until patching is possible
wp plugin deactivate maxbuttons
Implement WAF Rules
allConfigure web application firewall to block XSS payloads targeting MaxButtons endpoints
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict plugin access to trusted users only and implement strict input validation
- Monitor for suspicious script injections in MaxButtons content and implement Content Security Policy headers
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin → Plugins → Installed Plugins for MaxButtons version. If version is 9.8.3 or earlier, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get maxbuttons --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify MaxButtons version shows 9.8.4 or later in WordPress plugins list.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to MaxButtons admin endpoints
- Suspicious script tags in MaxButtons content storage
Network Indicators:
- Malicious script injections in MaxButtons-related HTTP responses
- Unexpected redirects from MaxButtons pages
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND "maxbuttons" AND ("script" OR "javascript" OR "onload" OR "onerror")