CVE-2025-32500: Codescar Radio Widget CSRF Vulnerability

CVE-2025-32500 Overview

A Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability has been identified in the Codescar Radio Widget WordPress plugin, developed by Sudavar. This security flaw allows attackers to chain CSRF with Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), enabling malicious actors to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of an authenticated administrator's browser session. The vulnerability exists in all versions of the plugin through version 0.4.2.

When exploited, an attacker can craft a malicious request that, when triggered by an authenticated administrator, will store malicious JavaScript payload within the plugin's configuration. This stored payload will then execute whenever the affected page is loaded, potentially leading to session hijacking, unauthorized administrative actions, or further compromise of the WordPress installation.

Critical Impact

Attackers can leverage CSRF to inject persistent XSS payloads, enabling session hijacking, administrative account takeover, and potential full site compromise without direct authentication.

Affected Products

• Codescar Radio Widget plugin for WordPress versions through 0.4.2
• WordPress installations using the vulnerable codescar-radio-widget plugin

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-04-09 - CVE-2025-32500 published to NVD
• 2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-32500

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability combines two distinct attack techniques: Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) and Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS). The Codescar Radio Widget plugin fails to implement proper CSRF token validation on its administrative settings pages, allowing external websites to submit configuration changes on behalf of authenticated administrators.

The attack requires user interaction where an authenticated WordPress administrator must visit a malicious webpage or click a crafted link while logged into their WordPress dashboard. This network-based attack has low complexity to execute but requires the user interaction component to succeed. The vulnerability affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the WordPress installation, with the potential for scope change as the malicious scripts execute in the context of other users' browsers.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the plugin's failure to implement adequate CSRF protection mechanisms on form submissions that modify plugin settings. WordPress provides built-in nonce functions (wp_nonce_field() and wp_verify_nonce()) specifically designed to prevent CSRF attacks, but the Codescar Radio Widget plugin does not properly utilize these security features. Additionally, the plugin fails to sanitize and escape user input before storing and rendering it, allowing malicious JavaScript to be stored and executed.

Attack Vector

The attack is executed over the network and requires an attacker to craft a malicious HTML page containing a hidden form that targets the vulnerable plugin's settings endpoint. When an authenticated WordPress administrator visits this malicious page, the form automatically submits, carrying the administrator's session cookies. This allows the attacker to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the plugin's stored configuration.

The injected script persists in the database and executes whenever the affected content is rendered, impacting any user who views the page—including other administrators. This can lead to cookie theft, keylogging, defacement, or further exploitation of the WordPress site.

The vulnerability can be exploited through carefully constructed HTML forms hosted on external domains. The malicious form targets the plugin's settings handler without proper nonce verification. For detailed technical information, refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Advisory.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-32500

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected JavaScript code or <script> tags appearing in plugin configuration fields or database entries
• Unusual outbound connections from client browsers to external domains when viewing WordPress admin pages
• Administrative settings changes that were not authorized or logged by legitimate users
• Reports of session hijacking or unauthorized administrative access

Detection Strategies

• Monitor WordPress audit logs for unauthorized changes to the codescar-radio-widget plugin settings
• Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to detect and block unauthorized script execution
• Use web application firewalls (WAF) to detect CSRF attack patterns and XSS payloads in form submissions
• Review database entries associated with the plugin for malicious script content

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging of all administrative actions in WordPress using security plugins
• Configure alerts for any modifications to plugin settings from unexpected IP addresses or during unusual hours
• Regularly scan the WordPress database for stored XSS payloads using security scanning tools
• Monitor browser console errors and network requests for signs of script injection

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-32500

Immediate Actions Required

• Immediately deactivate and remove the Codescar Radio Widget plugin (codescar-radio-widget) from all WordPress installations
• Review the WordPress database for any malicious content stored by the plugin and sanitize affected entries
• Audit administrative user sessions and force password resets if compromise is suspected
• Review WordPress audit logs for any unauthorized configuration changes

Patch Information

As of the last update, no patched version of the Codescar Radio Widget plugin has been confirmed. Users should consider the plugin abandoned or high-risk and seek alternative solutions. Monitor the Patchstack Vulnerability Advisory for updates on vendor response and patch availability.

Workarounds

• Remove the vulnerable plugin entirely and replace with a maintained alternative that provides similar functionality
• Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to block CSRF attacks and XSS payloads targeting WordPress
• Apply Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict script execution sources and mitigate XSS impact
• Limit administrative access to trusted IP addresses only through .htaccess or server configuration

# Example: Restrict WordPress admin access to trusted IPs via .htaccess
# Add to .htaccess in wp-admin directory
<IfModule mod_authz_core.c>
    Require ip 192.168.1.0/24
    Require ip 10.0.0.1
</IfModule>