CVE-2025-23471 Overview
CVE-2025-23471 is a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability in the ECT Add to Cart Button WordPress plugin that can lead to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS). The vulnerability exists in versions through 1.4 of the plugin, allowing attackers to trick authenticated administrators into executing malicious actions that inject persistent JavaScript code into the WordPress site.
Critical Impact
Attackers can chain CSRF with Stored XSS to persistently compromise WordPress sites, potentially affecting all visitors and administrators who view affected pages.
Affected Products
- ECT Add to Cart Button WordPress Plugin version 1.4 and earlier
- WordPress installations using the ect-add-to-cart-button plugin
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-01-16 - CVE-2025-23471 published to NVD
- 2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-23471
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability represents a dangerous attack chain combining Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) with Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS). The ECT Add to Cart Button plugin fails to implement proper CSRF protection mechanisms (nonce verification) on administrative functions that handle user-supplied input. Additionally, the plugin does not adequately sanitize or escape output, enabling malicious scripts to be stored in the database and executed whenever the affected content is rendered.
The network-based attack vector requires user interaction, typically achieved by luring an authenticated administrator to visit a malicious webpage while logged into WordPress. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability with a changed scope, meaning the malicious payload can impact resources beyond the vulnerable component itself.
Root Cause
The root cause is twofold: First, the plugin lacks proper CSRF token (WordPress nonce) verification on state-changing requests, allowing attackers to craft malicious requests that appear legitimate when submitted by an authenticated user. Second, inadequate input validation and output encoding allows attacker-controlled data to be stored and later rendered as executable JavaScript in the browser context.
This combination of CWE-352 (Cross-Site Request Forgery) and Stored XSS creates a particularly dangerous attack surface where a single user interaction can lead to persistent compromise of the WordPress installation.
Attack Vector
The attack exploits the lack of CSRF protection in the plugin's administrative functionality. An attacker crafts a malicious webpage or email containing a hidden form that submits a request to the vulnerable WordPress plugin endpoint. When an authenticated administrator visits this malicious page, their browser automatically sends the forged request along with their valid session cookies.
The malicious request includes XSS payloads that get stored in the WordPress database. Once stored, these scripts execute whenever any user (including administrators) views pages containing the injected content. This can lead to session hijacking, administrative account takeover, malware distribution to site visitors, or complete site defacement.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-23471
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected JavaScript code in database tables associated with the ECT Add to Cart Button plugin
- Suspicious <script> tags or event handlers in plugin settings or output
- Unusual administrator session activity or unauthorized configuration changes
- Browser console errors indicating blocked or executed inline scripts
Detection Strategies
- Review WordPress database for unexpected script content in plugin-related tables
- Monitor server access logs for suspicious POST requests to plugin endpoints from external referrers
- Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to detect and block inline script execution
- Use WordPress security plugins to scan for known malicious patterns
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable WordPress audit logging to track all administrative actions and plugin setting changes
- Configure web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect CSRF attack patterns
- Monitor for new or modified JavaScript files in the WordPress installation
- Set up alerts for unusual administrator login patterns or session anomalies
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-23471
Immediate Actions Required
- Deactivate and remove the ECT Add to Cart Button plugin (ect-add-to-cart-button) immediately if running version 1.4 or earlier
- Review plugin settings and database entries for any injected malicious content
- Check administrator accounts for unauthorized activity and reset passwords if suspicious activity is detected
- Scan the WordPress installation with a security plugin to identify any stored XSS payloads
Patch Information
As of the current advisory data, no patched version has been confirmed. Website administrators should monitor the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for updates on remediation status. Consider replacing this plugin with an alternative solution that maintains active security support.
Workarounds
- Remove the ECT Add to Cart Button plugin until a security patch is available
- Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with CSRF detection capabilities
- Restrict administrative access to trusted IP addresses to limit attack surface
- Ensure administrators do not browse untrusted websites while logged into WordPress
# WordPress CLI command to deactivate the vulnerable plugin
wp plugin deactivate ect-add-to-cart-button
# Search database for potentially injected script content
wp db search "<script" --all-tables
# List all installed plugins to verify deactivation
wp plugin list --status=active
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
