CVE-2025-31557: MiKa OSM DOM-Based XSS Vulnerability

CVE-2025-31557 Overview

CVE-2025-31557 is a DOM-based Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the MiKa OSM (OpenStreetMap) plugin for WordPress. The flaw results from improper neutralization of user-controlled input during web page generation, classified under [CWE-79]. Affected versions include OSM releases up to and including 6.1.13. Authenticated attackers with low privileges can inject client-side script that executes in the browser of any user who interacts with a crafted link or page. Successful exploitation may lead to session compromise, unauthorized actions, and redirection to attacker-controlled resources within the WordPress environment.

Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of victim browsers, enabling session theft and administrative account takeover through crafted OSM plugin interactions.

Affected Products

MiKa OSM (OpenStreetMap) WordPress plugin versions up to and including 6.1.13
WordPress sites with the OSM plugin installed and enabled
User sessions interacting with plugin-rendered map components

Discovery Timeline

2025-03-31 - CVE-2025-31557 published to NVD
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-31557

Vulnerability Analysis

The MiKa OSM plugin generates OpenStreetMap components within WordPress pages using client-side rendering. The plugin writes user-controlled input into the Document Object Model (DOM) without proper sanitization or output encoding. When an attacker supplies malicious payload data, the browser interprets it as executable JavaScript rather than inert content.

DOM-based XSS differs from reflected or stored variants because the injection occurs entirely in the browser. The malicious payload never needs to reach the server in an executed form. Instead, client-side scripts consume attacker-controlled data from sources such as location.hash, location.search, or plugin configuration parameters, then insert it into sinks like innerHTML or document.write.

Root Cause

The root cause is missing input neutralization in the plugin's JavaScript logic that handles map parameters and user-supplied content. The plugin passes untrusted values directly into DOM manipulation functions without applying HTML entity encoding or context-appropriate escaping.

Attack Vector

Exploitation requires network access, low-privilege authentication, and user interaction. An attacker with contributor or similar rights crafts content containing a malicious payload that the plugin renders. When a victim, including an administrator, loads the affected page, the injected script executes in their browser session. The scope-changed impact means the payload can affect resources beyond the immediate plugin context. Refer to the Patchstack Security Vulnerability Report for technical details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-31557

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected <script> tags or JavaScript event handlers embedded in OSM plugin shortcodes or post metadata
Outbound browser requests to unfamiliar domains originating from pages containing OSM map elements
WordPress user sessions exhibiting privilege escalation or unauthorized administrative actions following plugin page views

Detection Strategies

Audit WordPress database entries for OSM shortcode parameters containing HTML tags, javascript: URIs, or encoded script payloads
Deploy Content Security Policy (CSP) reporting to identify inline script violations on pages rendering OSM content
Review web server access logs for anomalous query strings and URL fragments targeting pages that embed the OSM plugin

Monitoring Recommendations

Monitor administrative account activity for actions performed shortly after visiting content submitted by lower-privileged users
Track installed plugin versions across WordPress deployments and alert on OSM versions at or below 6.1.13
Enable browser telemetry or endpoint monitoring to capture unexpected script execution on editorial workstations

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-31557

Immediate Actions Required

Update the MiKa OSM plugin to a version released after 6.1.13 that addresses this XSS flaw
Restrict contributor and author account creation, and audit existing low-privileged accounts for suspicious content
Review all published pages using OSM shortcodes for embedded malicious markup and remove affected content

Patch Information

A patched version of the OSM plugin is required to remediate CVE-2025-31557. Administrators should consult the Patchstack Security Vulnerability Report for current fixed-version guidance and apply updates through the WordPress plugin management interface.

Workarounds

Deactivate the OSM plugin until an updated version can be installed and validated
Implement a strict Content Security Policy that disallows inline script execution on WordPress pages
Deploy a Web Application Firewall rule to filter script tags and JavaScript URI schemes from requests targeting OSM shortcode parameters

bash

# Configuration example: WordPress CLI plugin update
wp plugin update osm --version=latest
wp plugin list --name=osm --fields=name,status,version