CVE-2025-6488 Overview
CVE-2025-6488 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the isMobile plugin for WordPress. The flaw affects all versions up to and including 1.1.1. It stems from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on the device parameter. Authenticated attackers with Contributor-level access or higher can inject arbitrary web scripts into pages. The injected scripts execute in the browser of any visitor who views an affected page. The issue is tracked as [CWE-79] Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation.
Critical Impact
Contributor-level accounts can persist JavaScript payloads that execute against site visitors and administrators, enabling session theft, forced administrative actions, and defacement.
Affected Products
- WordPress isMobile plugin versions up to and including 1.1.1
- WordPress sites permitting Contributor-level user registration
- Any WordPress installation with the vulnerable isMobile plugin activated
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-06-27 - CVE-2025-6488 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-6488
Vulnerability Analysis
The isMobile plugin exposes shortcode or template functionality that accepts a user-controlled device parameter. The plugin fails to sanitize the parameter on input and does not escape it during output rendering. When a Contributor or higher-privileged user inserts crafted content containing HTML or JavaScript into the device parameter, the payload is stored in the WordPress database. Once the containing post or page is rendered, the browser interprets the stored payload as executable script.
Because the payload lives inside legitimate site content, execution occurs in the context of the WordPress origin. This grants the attacker access to authenticated cookies not flagged HttpOnly, DOM state, and any administrative endpoints reachable through CSRF-style requests. The Wordfence advisory confirms the vector and the required privilege level.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing input sanitization on the device parameter combined with missing output escaping in the rendering path. WordPress provides sanitize_text_field() for input handling and esc_attr() or esc_html() for output. The vulnerable code paths in versions through 1.1.1 do not apply these functions to the device value.
Attack Vector
An attacker first obtains Contributor access, either through open registration or credential compromise. The attacker then authors a post containing the isMobile shortcode or block with a device parameter populated by a script payload. When an editor previews or a visitor loads the page, the payload executes. The scope-changed CVSS indicates the injected script can affect resources beyond the vulnerable component, including administrative sessions. See the Wordfence Vulnerability Report for the technical write-up.
// No verified proof-of-concept code has been published.
// See the Wordfence advisory and the WordPress Trac changeset for technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-6488
Indicators of Compromise
- Post or page content containing <script>, onerror=, onload=, or javascript: payloads inside isMobile shortcode attributes
- Unexpected outbound requests from browsers loading WordPress pages to attacker-controlled domains
- New administrator accounts or altered user roles created shortly after a Contributor authored content
- WordPress wp_posts rows referencing the isMobile shortcode with encoded or obfuscated device values
Detection Strategies
- Query the WordPress database for post_content containing the isMobile shortcode combined with angle brackets or event handlers in the device attribute
- Deploy web application firewall rules that block script tags and event handlers in POST bodies targeting /wp-admin/post.php
- Enable Content Security Policy reporting to surface inline script execution originating from post content
Monitoring Recommendations
- Audit Contributor and Author accounts for recent post creation or revision activity
- Log and review all plugin shortcode usage across published and draft posts
- Alert on privilege changes, plugin installations, and theme edits performed by non-Administrator accounts
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-6488
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the isMobile plugin to a version newer than 1.1.1 once the vendor publishes a fix
- If no fixed version is available, deactivate and remove the isMobile plugin from all WordPress sites
- Review all existing posts and pages for injected script content in isMobile shortcode attributes
- Rotate credentials and session tokens for any account that may have been exposed to injected pages
Patch Information
The WordPress Trac Changeset contains the code change addressing this vulnerability. Administrators should confirm the deployed plugin version reflects the changeset before considering the site remediated. Refer to the WordPress Plugin Developer Info page for the current release status.
Workarounds
- Restrict Contributor and Author registrations and require administrator approval for new accounts
- Enforce a strict Content Security Policy that disallows inline scripts on WordPress front-end pages
- Configure a web application firewall to inspect and block script payloads submitted through the WordPress editor
- Remove the isMobile shortcode from templates until a patched version is verified
# Disable the isMobile plugin from the command line using WP-CLI
wp plugin deactivate ismobile
wp plugin delete ismobile
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
