CVE-2019-25315 Overview
CVE-2019-25315 is a persistent cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability affecting WordPress Server Log Viewer version 1.0. The plugin fails to properly sanitize log file paths, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute when administrators view logs through the WordPress admin interface. This stored XSS vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of authenticated administrator sessions.
Critical Impact
Attackers can inject persistent malicious scripts through log file paths, potentially leading to session hijacking, privilege escalation, or complete WordPress site compromise when administrators access the log viewer functionality.
Affected Products
- WordPress Server Log Viewer 1.0
- WordPress installations with the vulnerable plugin active
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-02-11 - CVE CVE-2019-25315 published to NVD
- 2026-02-11 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2019-25315
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified as CWE-79 (Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation), commonly known as Cross-Site Scripting. The WordPress Server Log Viewer plugin processes log file paths without adequate input validation or output encoding, creating an opportunity for persistent script injection.
When an attacker adds a log file with a specially crafted path containing XSS payloads, the malicious content becomes stored within the plugin's configuration. Subsequently, when any WordPress administrator navigates to the log viewer interface, the unescaped payload executes within their authenticated browser session. This attack vector requires low privileges for initial injection but achieves high impact through its persistent nature and targeting of privileged users.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient input sanitization of the log file path parameter. The plugin accepts user-supplied file paths without properly encoding or validating them before rendering in the WordPress admin panel. This allows HTML and JavaScript content embedded in the path string to be interpreted as executable code rather than plain text when displayed.
Attack Vector
The attack leverages the network-accessible WordPress admin interface. An attacker with low-level WordPress privileges can configure a log file path containing embedded JavaScript. The malicious payload persists in the plugin settings and activates whenever an administrator accesses the log viewer, requiring no further attacker interaction. The attack requires user interaction (an admin must view the affected page) but once triggered, can perform actions with the administrator's session privileges.
The vulnerability can be exploited by crafting log file paths that include script tags or JavaScript event handlers. For detailed technical information regarding exploitation techniques, refer to the Exploit-DB #47419 entry and the VulnCheck Advisory.
Detection Methods for CVE-2019-25315
Indicators of Compromise
- Presence of script tags or JavaScript event handlers in log viewer plugin configuration settings
- Unexpected log file paths containing HTML special characters or encoded payloads in the wp_options database table
- Browser console errors or unexpected script execution when accessing the Server Log Viewer admin page
Detection Strategies
- Review the WordPress Server Log Viewer plugin settings for suspicious or malformed log file paths
- Audit the wp_options table for entries containing XSS payload patterns associated with the log viewer plugin
- Monitor browser network activity for unexpected outbound requests when administrators access the log viewer
- Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to detect and block inline script execution
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable WordPress audit logging to track changes to plugin settings and configurations
- Configure Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to alert on XSS payload patterns in POST requests to WordPress admin endpoints
- Regularly review admin user activity logs for unusual access patterns to the log viewer functionality
How to Mitigate CVE-2019-25315
Immediate Actions Required
- Disable or uninstall the WordPress Server Log Viewer plugin version 1.0 until a patched version is available
- Audit existing plugin configuration for any suspicious log file paths and remove them
- Review administrator sessions and reset credentials if compromise is suspected
- Implement Content Security Policy headers to mitigate the impact of XSS attacks
Patch Information
Users should check the GitHub WP Server Log Viewer repository for any security updates or patched versions. Given the age of this vulnerability and the plugin's maintenance status, consider migrating to an actively maintained alternative log viewer plugin with proper security practices.
Workarounds
- Remove the WordPress Server Log Viewer plugin entirely and use alternative server-side log viewing methods
- Restrict access to the plugin's admin pages to only highly trusted administrator accounts
- Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with XSS protection rules targeting the WordPress admin interface
- Apply manual input sanitization by reviewing and clearing any stored log file path configurations before use
# Disable the vulnerable plugin via WP-CLI
wp plugin deactivate wp-server-log-viewer --path=/var/www/html/wordpress
# Check for suspicious entries in wp_options
wp db query "SELECT * FROM wp_options WHERE option_name LIKE '%log_viewer%'" --path=/var/www/html/wordpress
# Optional: Remove the plugin entirely
wp plugin delete wp-server-log-viewer --path=/var/www/html/wordpress
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
