CVE-2025-14903: Simple Crypto Shortcodes CSRF Vulnerability

CVE-2025-14903 Overview

The Simple Crypto Shortcodes plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) in versions up to, and including, 1.0.2. This vulnerability exists due to missing nonce validation on the scs_backend function. This security flaw makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to update plugin settings via a forged request, provided they can trick a site administrator into performing an action such as clicking on a malicious link.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can manipulate plugin settings through social engineering, potentially redirecting cryptocurrency-related content or modifying shortcode behavior on affected WordPress sites.

Affected Products

• Simple Crypto Shortcodes plugin for WordPress versions up to and including 1.0.2

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-01-24 - CVE-2025-14903 published to NVD
• 2026-01-26 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-14903

Vulnerability Analysis

This Cross-Site Request Forgery vulnerability stems from inadequate security controls in the plugin's backend settings functionality. WordPress plugins handling sensitive configuration changes should implement nonce verification to ensure that requests originate from authenticated administrators performing intentional actions. The scs_backend function processes settings updates without validating a security nonce, creating an opportunity for attackers to craft malicious requests that execute in the context of an authenticated administrator's session.

The vulnerability is classified under CWE-352 (Cross-Site Request Forgery), which describes scenarios where web applications fail to verify that requests are intentionally submitted by the authenticated user. In this case, the impact allows modification of plugin settings, which could affect how cryptocurrency-related shortcodes are displayed or processed on the affected WordPress site.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is the absence of nonce validation in the scs_backend function. WordPress provides built-in functions such as wp_verify_nonce() and check_admin_referer() specifically to prevent CSRF attacks. The vulnerable code at line 46 and line 54 of simple_crypto_shortcodes.php processes form submissions without implementing these protective measures.

Attack Vector

The attack vector requires network access and user interaction. An attacker must craft a malicious webpage or email containing a hidden form or script that submits a forged request to the WordPress admin endpoint handling the scs_backend function. When a logged-in site administrator visits this malicious page or clicks a weaponized link, their browser automatically includes their authentication cookies, causing the forged request to execute with administrative privileges.

The attack flow typically involves:

1. Attacker identifies a WordPress site using the vulnerable Simple Crypto Shortcodes plugin
2. Attacker creates a malicious page with a hidden form targeting the plugin's settings endpoint
3. Attacker social engineers a site administrator to visit the malicious page
4. The administrator's browser submits the forged request with valid session credentials
5. Plugin settings are modified without the administrator's knowledge or consent

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-14903

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected changes to Simple Crypto Shortcodes plugin settings without administrator action
• Unusual cryptocurrency wallet addresses or API configurations appearing in plugin settings
• Web server logs showing POST requests to plugin settings endpoints from referrers outside the WordPress admin area
• Reports from site visitors about incorrect or suspicious cryptocurrency information displayed via shortcodes

Detection Strategies

• Monitor WordPress admin audit logs for plugin settings changes that don't correlate with legitimate administrator activity
• Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block requests to administrative endpoints with external or missing referrer headers
• Deploy SentinelOne Singularity XDR to correlate endpoint activity with network-level indicators of potential CSRF attacks

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for WordPress administrative actions including plugin configuration changes
• Configure alerts for settings modifications to the Simple Crypto Shortcodes plugin outside normal administrative hours
• Regularly audit plugin configurations against known-good baselines to detect unauthorized modifications

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-14903

Immediate Actions Required

• Review current Simple Crypto Shortcodes plugin settings for any unauthorized modifications
• Consider temporarily deactivating the Simple Crypto Shortcodes plugin until a patched version is available
• Implement additional security measures such as limiting admin access to trusted IP addresses
• Educate site administrators about the risks of clicking untrusted links while logged into WordPress

Patch Information

At the time of publication, administrators should check the Wordfence Vulnerability Report for the latest remediation guidance and information about patched versions. Monitor the WordPress plugin repository for updates to Simple Crypto Shortcodes that address this CSRF vulnerability by implementing proper nonce validation.

Workarounds

• Restrict access to the WordPress admin area using IP allowlisting or VPN requirements
• Implement a Content Security Policy (CSP) to limit the ability of external sites to submit forms to your WordPress installation
• Use browser extensions that warn about or block CSRF attempts when visiting untrusted websites
• Consider using a WordPress security plugin that provides additional CSRF protection layers

# Example: Restrict WordPress admin access by IP in .htaccess
<Files wp-login.php>
    Order deny,allow
    Deny from all
    Allow from 192.168.1.100
    Allow from 10.0.0.0/8
</Files>