CVE-2025-47488 Overview
CVE-2025-47488 is a DOM-based Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the boldthemes Bold Page Builder plugin for WordPress. The flaw affects all versions of bold-page-builder up to and including 5.3.2. It stems from improper neutralization of input during web page generation [CWE-79]. An authenticated attacker with low privileges can inject malicious JavaScript that executes in the browser context of victims who interact with a crafted page. The scope change reflected in the CVSS vector indicates the payload can affect resources beyond the vulnerable component.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript in a victim's browser, enabling session theft, credential harvesting, and unauthorized actions in the WordPress admin context.
Affected Products
- boldthemes Bold Page Builder plugin for WordPress
- All versions from initial release through 5.3.2
- WordPress sites with the bold-page-builder plugin installed and active
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-05-07 - CVE-2025-47488 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-47488
Vulnerability Analysis
The Bold Page Builder plugin fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before it is inserted into the Document Object Model (DOM). This DOM-based XSS pattern occurs entirely within client-side JavaScript, meaning payloads never need to round-trip through the server to execute. The vulnerability requires authentication with low privileges and user interaction, such as clicking a crafted link or loading a manipulated page element. Because the CVSS scope is Changed, the injected script can affect a security authority beyond the vulnerable plugin, including administrative WordPress sessions.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of input during web page generation [CWE-79]. Plugin components accept attacker-controlled values and pass them to DOM sinks without appropriate escaping or sanitization. When the browser parses these values, embedded HTML or JavaScript is rendered as executable content rather than inert data.
Attack Vector
An attacker with contributor or similar low-privilege access crafts a page or component containing a malicious payload. When another user, typically an administrator or editor, previews or interacts with the affected content, the payload executes in their browser context. Consult the Patchstack XSS Vulnerability Report for additional technical details.
// No verified proof-of-concept code is publicly available.
// Refer to the Patchstack advisory for vendor-provided technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-47488
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected <script> tags, event handlers, or javascript: URIs stored in WordPress post or page content created via Bold Page Builder.
- Outbound browser requests from administrator sessions to unknown external domains shortly after loading plugin-rendered content.
- Creation of unauthorized WordPress administrator accounts or modifications to user roles following contributor or editor activity.
Detection Strategies
- Audit wp_posts and plugin-specific option tables for HTML attributes containing onerror, onload, onclick, or encoded script payloads.
- Monitor WordPress access logs for POST requests to admin-ajax.php and Bold Page Builder endpoints from low-privileged accounts.
- Deploy Content Security Policy (CSP) reporting to surface inline script violations originating from admin pages.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable WordPress activity logging to track content edits, user role changes, and plugin configuration updates.
- Correlate authentication events with post-authentication content modifications to identify anomalous contributor behavior.
- Alert on new administrator account creation or privilege escalation events immediately following plugin usage.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-47488
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress instances running Bold Page Builder version 5.3.2 or earlier and prioritize them for patching.
- Restrict contributor and editor accounts to trusted users only, and audit existing low-privileged accounts for suspicious activity.
- Review recently created or modified pages for injected scripts and remove any unauthorized content.
Patch Information
Refer to the vendor advisory via the Patchstack XSS Vulnerability Report for the latest fixed version and upgrade instructions. Update the bold-page-builder plugin to a version released after 5.3.2 once available.
Workarounds
- Deactivate the Bold Page Builder plugin until an updated version is installed if patching is not immediately feasible.
- Implement a strict Content Security Policy that disallows inline scripts in the WordPress administrative interface.
- Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules that block common XSS payload patterns targeting WordPress plugins.
# Example: disable the plugin via WP-CLI until a patched version is deployed
wp plugin deactivate bold-page-builder
# Verify plugin status
wp plugin status bold-page-builder
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
