CVE-2025-14851: YaMaps for WordPress Plugin XSS Flaw

CVE-2025-14851 Overview

The YaMaps for WordPress plugin is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) via the yamap shortcode parameters in all versions up to and including 0.6.40. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes within the shortcode handler. This allows authenticated attackers with Contributor-level access or higher to inject arbitrary web scripts into WordPress pages that execute whenever a user views the affected page.

Critical Impact

Authenticated attackers can inject persistent malicious scripts that execute in victims' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further compromise of WordPress sites.

Affected Products

• YaMaps for WordPress plugin version 0.6.40 and earlier
• WordPress installations using vulnerable YaMaps plugin versions
• Sites allowing Contributor-level or higher user access

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-19 - CVE CVE-2025-14851 published to NVD
• 2026-02-19 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-14851

Vulnerability Analysis

This Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 (Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation). The vulnerability allows authenticated users with at least Contributor-level privileges to inject malicious JavaScript code through the yamap shortcode parameters. When the injected page is rendered, the malicious scripts execute in the context of visitors' browser sessions.

The flaw stems from the shortcode processing logic in includes/shortcodes.php, specifically around lines 194-195, where user-supplied shortcode attributes are processed without adequate sanitization or output escaping. This permits the injection of HTML and JavaScript that persists in the database and executes during page rendering.

Root Cause

The root cause is insufficient input sanitization and output escaping within the YaMaps shortcode handler. The vulnerable code accepts user-supplied attributes through the yamap shortcode and renders them directly into the page output without properly encoding special characters or filtering potentially dangerous content. The vulnerable code paths can be observed in the WordPress Shortcode File at Line 194 and Line 195.

Attack Vector

The attack is network-based and requires authentication with at least Contributor-level WordPress access. An attacker can craft a malicious yamap shortcode with JavaScript payloads embedded in the shortcode parameters. Once the post or page containing the malicious shortcode is published or previewed, the injected scripts execute in the browser of any user who views the page, including administrators.

The vulnerability mechanism involves passing unsanitized shortcode attribute values that bypass output escaping. When WordPress processes the shortcode and renders the map element, the injected script code executes within the page context. This can be leveraged for session hijacking, phishing attacks, malware distribution, or privilege escalation if an administrator views the compromised page.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-14851

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual or obfuscated JavaScript code within yamap shortcode attributes in WordPress posts
• Unexpected script tags or event handlers in page content containing YaMaps embeds
• Reports of suspicious browser behavior when viewing pages with embedded maps
• Audit logs showing Contributors creating or editing posts with complex shortcode parameters

Detection Strategies

• Implement content security policies (CSP) to detect and block inline script execution
• Monitor WordPress database for suspicious content in post_content fields containing yamap shortcodes
• Review audit logs for unusual post editing activity by Contributor-level users
• Scan for common XSS payloads in shortcode parameters using security scanning tools

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable WordPress audit logging to track post creation and editing by authenticated users
• Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect XSS patterns in request parameters
• Monitor browser console errors and CSP violation reports for signs of blocked script injection
• Regularly audit Contributor-level and above user accounts for unauthorized activity

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-14851

Immediate Actions Required

• Update the YaMaps for WordPress plugin to the latest patched version immediately
• Review existing posts and pages containing yamap shortcodes for suspicious content
• Consider temporarily deactivating the plugin until patches can be applied
• Restrict Contributor-level access to trusted users only
• Implement Content Security Policy headers to mitigate script injection impact

Patch Information

A patch addressing this vulnerability is available through the WordPress Changeset History. Site administrators should update the YaMaps plugin to a version beyond 0.6.40 that includes proper input sanitization and output escaping. Additional technical details about the vulnerability can be found in the Wordfence Vulnerability Analysis.

Workarounds

• Temporarily disable the YaMaps plugin until a patched version is applied
• Restrict user registration and limit Contributor-level access to trusted individuals
• Implement server-side input validation rules to filter shortcode parameters
• Deploy a Web Application Firewall with XSS protection rules enabled

# Configuration example - Add Content Security Policy header in .htaccess
Header set Content-Security-Policy "script-src 'self'; object-src 'none';"

# Alternatively, restrict access to shortcode functionality via functions.php
# Add to your theme's functions.php to disable the vulnerable shortcode temporarily
# remove_shortcode('yamap');