CVE-2025-58197 Overview
CVE-2025-58197 is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Simple Download Monitor plugin for WordPress, developed by mra13. The flaw stems from improper neutralization of user-supplied input during web page generation [CWE-79]. All plugin versions up to and including 3.9.34 are affected. Authenticated attackers with low-privilege access can inject persistent JavaScript payloads that execute in the browsers of users who view the affected pages. Because the vulnerability crosses a security scope boundary, injected scripts can impact administrators and site visitors alike.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can inject persistent JavaScript that executes against site administrators and visitors, enabling session theft, account takeover, and malicious redirection.
Affected Products
- Simple Download Monitor WordPress plugin by mra13
- All versions from initial release through 3.9.34
- WordPress sites with the vulnerable plugin activated
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-08-27 - CVE-2025-58197 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-58197
Vulnerability Analysis
The Simple Download Monitor plugin fails to sanitize or encode user-controlled input before rendering it within generated web pages. This omission allows an attacker to submit HTML or JavaScript payloads through plugin input fields. The payloads are stored in the WordPress database and reflected back to any user who loads the affected content. Because the injected script executes in the browser context of the victim, it inherits that user's WordPress session privileges.
Exploitation requires an authenticated account with at least contributor-level access and user interaction from a victim who visits the injected page. The scope change indicates that the injected script can affect resources outside the vulnerable component's security boundary, including administrator sessions.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing output encoding and input validation on plugin-managed fields that accept user data. The plugin stores unfiltered input and later emits it into HTML contexts without applying WordPress escaping functions such as esc_html(), esc_attr(), or wp_kses_post(). This class of defect is tracked under CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation.
Attack Vector
An attacker authenticates to WordPress with a low-privilege account and submits a crafted payload through a plugin field vulnerable to stored XSS. The payload persists in the database. When an administrator or another user loads the download management page or associated front-end output, the browser parses and executes the injected script. Consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for the technical writeup.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-58197
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected <script>, <iframe>, or on* event handler attributes stored in wp_posts, wp_postmeta, or plugin-specific tables tied to download entries
- Administrator sessions performing unexpected actions such as new user creation or plugin installation shortly after viewing download pages
- Outbound browser requests from admin sessions to unfamiliar domains hosting JavaScript payloads
Detection Strategies
- Query the WordPress database for HTML tags or JavaScript keywords within Simple Download Monitor fields and post metadata
- Deploy a web application firewall rule that inspects plugin form submissions for XSS payload patterns
- Review WordPress audit logs for content edits performed by low-privilege accounts on download items
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor administrator account activity for privilege changes, plugin installations, or theme edits following visits to download pages
- Alert on new or modified WordPress user accounts, especially those created outside standard provisioning workflows
- Capture browser-side Content Security Policy (CSP) violation reports to identify script execution from unexpected origins
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-58197
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Simple Download Monitor to a version later than 3.9.34 once the vendor publishes a fix
- Restrict contributor and author role assignments to trusted users while a patched release is pending
- Audit existing download entries and post metadata for injected HTML or script content and remove malicious payloads
Patch Information
At the time of publication, the Patchstack Vulnerability Report identifies all versions through 3.9.34 as vulnerable. Administrators should track the plugin repository and apply the vendor's patched release as soon as it becomes available.
Workarounds
- Deactivate the Simple Download Monitor plugin until a patched version is installed
- Enforce a strict Content Security Policy that blocks inline scripts and untrusted script sources
- Deploy a web application firewall rule to filter XSS patterns targeting the plugin's endpoints
- Limit access to the WordPress admin interface using IP allowlists or multi-factor authentication
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.