CVE-2025-23571 Overview
CVE-2025-23571 is a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the makong Internal Links Generator plugin for WordPress. The plugin fails to properly neutralize user-supplied input during web page generation [CWE-79]. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that execute arbitrary JavaScript in a victim's browser when the link is clicked. The flaw affects all versions of Internal Links Generator up to and including 3.51. Exploitation requires user interaction but no authentication, and the impact crosses security scopes, allowing attackers to target authenticated administrators through social engineering.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation enables session hijacking, credential theft, and unauthorized actions performed in the context of the targeted WordPress user.
Affected Products
- makong Internal Links Generator plugin for WordPress (versions through 3.51)
- WordPress sites with the internal-links-generator plugin installed and active
- All site users, particularly administrators, who interact with crafted links
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-02-14 - CVE-2025-23571 published to NVD
- 2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-23571
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is a reflected XSS issue in the Internal Links Generator WordPress plugin. The plugin accepts input parameters and echoes them back into rendered HTML without sufficient sanitization or output encoding. An attacker constructs a URL containing JavaScript payloads, then delivers it to a target through phishing, forum posts, or other channels. When the victim clicks the link, the malicious script executes within the origin of the vulnerable WordPress site.
Reflected XSS in administrative WordPress contexts is particularly impactful. JavaScript executing as an administrator can create new accounts, modify plugin settings, inject persistent backdoors via theme files, or exfiltrate session cookies. The CVSS scope change indicates that exploitation affects resources beyond the vulnerable component itself.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of input during web page generation. The plugin reflects user-controlled request parameters into HTTP responses without applying context-appropriate escaping such as esc_html(), esc_attr(), or wp_kses(). WordPress provides these native sanitization functions specifically to prevent this class of issue.
Attack Vector
Exploitation occurs over the network and requires user interaction. The attacker crafts a URL targeting a vulnerable endpoint exposed by the plugin, embedding a JavaScript payload in a reflected parameter. The victim must be persuaded to click the link while authenticated to the WordPress site. The injected script then runs with the victim's privileges, enabling actions ranging from defacement to full site takeover when an administrator is targeted.
For technical details, see the Patchstack Vulnerability Report.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-23571
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to Internal Links Generator plugin endpoints containing <script>, javascript:, onerror=, or onload= strings in query parameters
- Unexpected administrator accounts, modified user roles, or new plugin installations following suspicious referrer traffic
- Outbound requests from browsers to attacker-controlled domains immediately after visiting a WordPress URL with unusual query strings
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web server access logs for requests targeting internal-links-generator paths with URL-encoded HTML or JavaScript syntax in parameters
- Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) rule that flags reflected XSS patterns against WordPress plugin endpoints
- Monitor browser Content Security Policy (CSP) violation reports to identify reflected payload attempts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Alert on bulk delivery of URLs containing the vulnerable plugin path through email gateways and messaging platforms
- Track WordPress administrator session activity for anomalous configuration changes correlated with recent link clicks
- Audit installed plugin versions across managed WordPress instances and flag any running Internal Links Generator 3.51 or earlier
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-23571
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress sites running the Internal Links Generator plugin at version 3.51 or earlier
- Deactivate and remove the plugin until a patched version is confirmed available from the vendor
- Force a password reset and session invalidation for administrator accounts on affected sites
- Review recent administrative actions, user creations, and file modifications for signs of exploitation
Patch Information
As of the latest NVD update, the advisory indicates the issue affects versions through 3.51 with no fixed version explicitly listed. Site operators should consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report and the WordPress plugin repository for an updated release before reinstating the plugin.
Workarounds
- Remove the plugin entirely if a patched version is unavailable
- Restrict access to WordPress administrative interfaces by IP address using web server or WAF rules
- Deploy a strict Content Security Policy that disallows inline scripts and untrusted script sources
- Train administrators to avoid clicking unsolicited links that target their own WordPress site
# Disable the vulnerable plugin via WP-CLI
wp plugin deactivate internal-links-generator
wp plugin delete internal-links-generator
# Verify removal
wp plugin list --status=active | grep internal-links-generator
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
