CVE-2025-49945
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages generated by the Shortcode Generator WordPress plugin. When users visit pages containing these scripts, attackers can steal session cookies, redirect users, or perform actions on their behalf. All WordPress sites using vulnerable versions of the Shortcode Generator plugin are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- WordPress Shortcode Generator plugin by kylegetson
⚠️ 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 steal user session cookies to hijack accounts, redirect users to malicious sites, or display phishing content to visitors.
If Mitigated
With proper input validation and output encoding, malicious scripts are neutralized before reaching users, preventing any exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Reflected XSS vulnerabilities typically require minimal technical skill to exploit once the vulnerable parameter is identified.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.2 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Shortcode Generator' and check if update is available. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update is available. 5. If no update is available, deactivate and delete the plugin, then install the latest version from WordPress repository.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Validation Web Application Firewall Rule
allConfigure WAF to block requests containing suspicious script patterns in URL parameters
WAF-specific configuration required
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Deactivate and remove the Shortcode Generator plugin immediately
- Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict script execution sources
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Installed Plugins for Shortcode Generator version 1.1 or earlierCheck Version:
wp plugin list --name=shortcode-generator --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 1.2 or later in WordPress admin panel📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests with suspicious script tags in URL parameters
- Multiple failed XSS attempts from same IP
Network Indicators:
- Unusual traffic patterns to plugin-specific endpoints
- Requests containing <script> tags in query strings
SIEM Query:
source="web_server_logs" AND (uri="*shortcode*" OR uri="*wp-content/plugins/shortcode-generator*") AND (query="*<script>*" OR query="*javascript:*")