CVE-2025-8413
📋 TL;DR
The Listeo WordPress theme versions up to 2.0.8 contain a stored XSS vulnerability in the soundcloud shortcode. Authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher can inject malicious scripts that execute when users view compromised pages. This affects all WordPress sites using vulnerable Listeo theme versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- Listeo WordPress Theme
⚠️ 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 admin credentials, redirect users to malicious sites, deface websites, or install backdoors leading to complete site compromise.
Likely Case
Attackers with contributor access inject malicious scripts to steal user session cookies or redirect visitors to phishing pages.
If Mitigated
With proper user role management and input validation, impact is limited to potential defacement of specific pages.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated access at contributor level or higher. Exploitation involves injecting scripts via soundcloud shortcode attributes.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: > 2.0.8
Vendor Advisory: https://themeforest.net/item/listeo-directory-listings-wordpress-theme/23239259
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Check Listeo theme version. 4. If ≤2.0.8, update to latest version via theme update mechanism or download from ThemeForest.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove Contributor Shortcode Access
WordPressRestrict contributor users from using shortcodes by modifying user capabilities or using security plugins.
Input Sanitization Plugin
WordPressInstall WordPress security plugin that provides additional input sanitization for shortcodes.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict user role management - limit contributor accounts to trusted users only
- Install web application firewall (WAF) with XSS protection rules
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes > Listeo theme details for version number.Check Version:
WordPress admin panel: Appearance > Themes > Listeo theme detailsVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify theme version shows >2.0.8 in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual shortcode modifications in post/page edits
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by contributor account access
Network Indicators:
- Suspicious script tags in HTTP responses containing soundcloud shortcode parameters
SIEM Query:
Search for POST requests containing 'soundcloud' shortcode with script tags or javascript: payloads in parameters