CVE-2025-30588: Map Contact Plugin CSRF Vulnerability

CVE-2025-30588 Overview

CVE-2025-30588 is a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability affecting the WordPress Map Contact plugin developed by ryan_xantoo. This vulnerability allows attackers to chain CSRF with Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), enabling malicious actors to inject persistent scripts into the WordPress site by exploiting the lack of proper CSRF protection in the plugin's administrative functions.

Critical Impact

Attackers can trick authenticated administrators into unknowingly executing malicious requests that inject stored XSS payloads, potentially leading to session hijacking, admin account takeover, or distribution of malicious content to site visitors.

Affected Products

• WordPress Map Contact plugin version 3.0.4 and earlier
• WordPress sites using the map-contact plugin

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-03-24 - CVE CVE-2025-30588 published to NVD
• 2026-04-15 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-30588

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability represents a dangerous combination of two attack types: Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) and Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS). The Map Contact WordPress plugin fails to implement proper CSRF token validation on administrative form submissions, allowing attackers to craft malicious requests that execute in the context of an authenticated administrator's session.

When an administrator visits a malicious page while logged into their WordPress dashboard, the attacker-controlled page can submit requests to the Map Contact plugin's administrative endpoints. These requests can inject JavaScript payloads that become persistently stored in the plugin's configuration or data storage. Subsequently, when any user views the affected content, the stored XSS payload executes in their browser context.

The chained attack is particularly concerning because it bypasses the authentication requirement typically protecting administrative functions, while the stored nature of the XSS means the malicious payload persists and affects multiple users over time.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is the absence of CSRF token validation (nonce verification) in the Map Contact plugin's form handling mechanisms. WordPress provides built-in functions such as wp_nonce_field() and wp_verify_nonce() for CSRF protection, but the plugin fails to properly implement these safeguards. Additionally, the plugin does not adequately sanitize and escape user-supplied input before storing and rendering it, enabling the stored XSS component of the attack chain.

Attack Vector

The attack requires social engineering to lure an authenticated WordPress administrator to a malicious website. The attacker's page contains a hidden form or JavaScript code that automatically submits a crafted request to the vulnerable plugin endpoint. This request includes malicious JavaScript code as input data.

Since the plugin lacks CSRF protection, it processes the request as legitimate, storing the malicious payload. The stored XSS then executes whenever the affected page or component is rendered, potentially compromising administrator sessions, defacing the website, or redirecting visitors to malicious sites.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-30588

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected or unfamiliar JavaScript code present in Map Contact plugin settings or stored data
• Suspicious admin activity logs showing configuration changes without corresponding legitimate admin sessions
• Reports from site visitors about unexpected redirects, pop-ups, or browser warnings
• Browser-based security tools flagging XSS payloads on pages using the Map Contact plugin

Detection Strategies

• Review WordPress admin activity logs for unauthorized configuration changes to the Map Contact plugin
• Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to detect and block inline script execution attempts
• Use WordPress security plugins to scan for stored XSS payloads in plugin data and database entries
• Monitor HTTP referer headers for requests to admin endpoints originating from external domains

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive logging of all administrative actions within WordPress
• Configure web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect CSRF attack patterns and XSS payloads
• Regularly audit plugin settings and database entries associated with Map Contact for suspicious content
• Implement browser-based XSS detection through CSP violation reporting

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-30588

Immediate Actions Required

• Deactivate and remove the Map Contact plugin until a patched version is available
• Audit WordPress database and plugin settings for any injected malicious scripts
• Review WordPress admin user sessions and force logout of all users if compromise is suspected
• Implement or strengthen Content Security Policy headers to mitigate XSS impact

Patch Information

As of the last update, the vulnerability affects Map Contact plugin versions through 3.0.4. Administrators should monitor the Patchstack Vulnerability Report and the official WordPress plugin repository for security updates. Consider replacing the plugin with an actively maintained alternative that implements proper security controls.

Workarounds

• Remove or deactivate the Map Contact plugin from WordPress installations until a security patch is released
• Restrict administrative access to trusted IP addresses using server-level access controls
• Train administrators to avoid clicking on untrusted links while logged into WordPress
• Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to block CSRF and XSS attack patterns

# WordPress CLI command to deactivate the vulnerable plugin
wp plugin deactivate map-contact --path=/var/www/html/wordpress

# Verify plugin status
wp plugin list --status=active --path=/var/www/html/wordpress | grep map-contact