CVE-2025-14147 Overview
The Easy GitHub Gist Shortcodes plugin for WordPress contains a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the id parameter of the gist shortcode. All versions up to and including 1.0 are affected due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with Contributor-level access or higher to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages that execute whenever a user accesses the compromised page.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can inject persistent malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or malicious redirects affecting all visitors to the injected page.
Affected Products
- Easy GitHub Gist Shortcodes plugin for WordPress version 1.0 and earlier
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-01-07 - CVE CVE-2025-14147 published to NVD
- 2026-01-08 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-14147
Vulnerability Analysis
This Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability exists within the Easy GitHub Gist Shortcodes plugin's handling of the id parameter in the gist shortcode. When users with Contributor-level access or above create or edit content containing the gist shortcode, the id parameter value is not properly sanitized before being stored in the database. Subsequently, when the page is rendered for any visitor, the unsanitized input is output without proper escaping, allowing malicious JavaScript to execute in the victim's browser context.
The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it is a stored (persistent) XSS, meaning the malicious payload remains on the server and executes for every user who views the affected page. While exploitation requires Contributor-level authentication, this is a relatively low privilege level in WordPress environments, and compromised or malicious contributor accounts are common attack vectors.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability is insufficient input sanitization and output escaping in the plugin's shortcode handler function. The plugin fails to properly validate and sanitize the id parameter value when processing the gist shortcode, and additionally fails to escape the output when rendering the shortcode content. According to the WordPress Plugin Code Reference, the vulnerable code is located at line 24 of the easy-github-gist-shortcodes.php file.
Attack Vector
The attack is network-based and requires low privileges (Contributor-level access) with no user interaction needed for successful exploitation. An authenticated attacker can craft a malicious gist shortcode containing JavaScript in the id parameter. When the content is saved and subsequently viewed by other users, the injected script executes in their browser session.
The attack vector leverages WordPress's shortcode functionality. An attacker with Contributor access creates a post or page containing a gist shortcode with a specially crafted id parameter containing JavaScript payload. Once published or saved for review, any user viewing that content—including administrators—will have the malicious script execute in their browser context. This can be used for session hijacking, phishing overlays, keylogging, or redirecting users to malicious sites.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-14147
Indicators of Compromise
- Presence of unusual or unexpected JavaScript code within post or page content containing gist shortcodes
- Gist shortcode id parameters containing script tags, event handlers, or JavaScript URIs
- User reports of unexpected behavior, pop-ups, or redirects when viewing specific pages
- Web server logs showing requests with suspicious payloads in shortcode parameters
Detection Strategies
- Review WordPress database content for gist shortcodes with suspicious id parameter values containing script tags or JavaScript
- Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect XSS patterns in POST requests to WordPress
- Monitor for unusual JavaScript execution patterns in browser developer tools when viewing WordPress pages
- Use security plugins that scan for stored XSS patterns in WordPress content
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable comprehensive logging for WordPress content modifications by Contributor-level users
- Deploy Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to detect and block inline script execution attempts
- Monitor for authentication anomalies following page views that may indicate session hijacking
- Regularly audit user accounts with Contributor or higher privileges for unauthorized access
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-14147
Immediate Actions Required
- Audit existing content for gist shortcodes with suspicious or unusual id parameter values
- Consider temporarily disabling the Easy GitHub Gist Shortcodes plugin until a patched version is available
- Review and restrict Contributor-level access to trusted users only
- Implement Web Application Firewall rules to block XSS attack patterns
Patch Information
As of the last NVD update on 2026-01-08, users should check for updates to the Easy GitHub Gist Shortcodes plugin. Monitor the Wordfence Vulnerability Report for the latest patch availability and remediation guidance.
Workarounds
- Disable the Easy GitHub Gist Shortcodes plugin until a security patch is released
- Implement strict Content Security Policy headers to mitigate the impact of XSS attacks
- Restrict Contributor-level access and review all existing contributors for trustworthiness
- Use a WAF solution to filter and block known XSS attack patterns
- Manually sanitize any existing gist shortcodes in your WordPress content by removing suspicious characters from id parameters
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
