CVE-2025-30615

Remediation/Mitigation Strategy for CVE-2025-30615

This document outlines a remediation and mitigation strategy for the Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-30615, affecting the WP e-Commerce Style Email plugin versions up to and including 0.6.2.

1. Vulnerability Description:

  • Vulnerability: Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) combined with Code Injection
  • Affected Software: WP e-Commerce Style Email plugin
  • Affected Versions: Versions n/a through 0.6.2
  • Description: The WP e-Commerce Style Email plugin is vulnerable to CSRF, allowing an attacker to potentially trick a logged-in administrator into performing actions they did not intend. This vulnerability allows for Code Injection, enabling the attacker to execute arbitrary code on the server. This combination represents a severe threat.

2. Severity:

  • CVSS Score: 9.6 (Critical)
  • CVSS Vector: AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
  • Explanation: The high CVSS score reflects the critical impact of this vulnerability. A successful exploit can lead to complete compromise of the WordPress site, including:
    • Confidentiality: Unauthorized access to sensitive data.
    • Integrity: Modification or deletion of website content.
    • Availability: Denial-of-service or complete site takeover.

3. Known Exploit Information:

  • The description states Code Injection is possible. This means an attacker can execute arbitrary code on the server.
  • Exploit Mechanism: An attacker could craft a malicious link or embed a hidden form on a website or email. When a logged-in administrator visits the malicious link or page, their browser will automatically submit a request to the WordPress site, effectively executing the attacker’s code with the administrator’s privileges.
  • Potential Impact:
    • Website Defacement: The attacker could modify the website’s appearance.
    • Malware Injection: The attacker could inject malicious code into the website to infect visitors.
    • Data Theft: The attacker could steal sensitive data, such as user credentials or financial information.
    • Privilege Escalation: The attacker could create new administrator accounts.
    • Complete Server Takeover: The attacker could gain complete control of the web server, potentially affecting other websites hosted on the same server.

4. Remediation Strategy:

  • Immediate Action:
    • Disable the WP e-Commerce Style Email Plugin: The quickest and most effective way to mitigate the risk is to disable the vulnerable plugin immediately. This will prevent exploitation until a patched version is available.
  • Long-Term Solution:
    • Update the Plugin: Check the WordPress plugin repository or the plugin developer’s website for an updated version of the WP e-Commerce Style Email plugin that addresses the CSRF and code injection vulnerabilities. Install the updated version as soon as it is available. This is the recommended solution. If no update is available, consider migrating to a different plugin with similar functionality.
    • Contact the Plugin Developer: Reach out to Jacob Schwartz, the developer of the WP e-Commerce Style Email plugin, to report the vulnerability and request a patched version. Provide them with the CVE identifier (CVE-2025-30615) and a link to this document.
    • Consider Alternatives: If the plugin is no longer maintained or a timely update is not available, consider migrating to a different email styling plugin with similar functionality. Thoroughly research and vet any alternative plugin before installing it to ensure it is secure and well-maintained.

5. Mitigation Strategy:

If updating or disabling the plugin is not immediately feasible, implement the following mitigation measures to reduce the risk of exploitation:

  • Implement CSRF Protection: While the plugin itself is vulnerable, adding a general CSRF protection measure at the WordPress level can offer some protection. Several security plugins offer CSRF protection. This adds an extra layer of defense, but it’s not a substitute for patching the vulnerable plugin. Note: It’s important to test the CSRF protection thoroughly with the WP e-Commerce Style Email plugin to ensure it doesn’t break any legitimate functionality.
  • Web Application Firewall (WAF): Implement a web application firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block potential CSRF and code injection attacks. Configure the WAF to inspect HTTP requests for suspicious patterns and payloads. Consider using rules that block potentially malicious code from being injected through input fields associated with the plugin. The WAF should be configured to block or flag requests that attempt to exploit known CSRF patterns.
  • User Education: Educate WordPress administrators and users about the dangers of CSRF attacks. Advise them to:
    • Be cautious when clicking on links or opening attachments in emails from unknown senders.
    • Log out of the WordPress dashboard when they are not actively using it.
    • Avoid browsing untrusted websites while logged in to the WordPress dashboard.
  • Monitor Website Activity: Closely monitor website activity for suspicious behavior, such as:
    • Unexpected changes to website content.
    • New user accounts being created.
    • Unusual database activity.
    • Error logs containing suspicious entries.
    • Login attempts from unusual locations.

6. Testing and Verification:

  • After applying the remediation or mitigation measures, thoroughly test the website to ensure that the vulnerability has been addressed and that no legitimate functionality has been broken.
  • Use a vulnerability scanner or penetration testing tools to verify that the CSRF and code injection vulnerabilities are no longer exploitable.
  • Manually test the plugin’s features to ensure that they are working as expected.

7. Reporting and Communication:

  • Document the steps taken to remediate or mitigate the vulnerability.
  • Communicate the vulnerability and the remediation/mitigation plan to all relevant stakeholders, including WordPress administrators, users, and security personnel.
  • Report the vulnerability to the WordPress security team or a vulnerability disclosure platform.

Disclaimer:

This remediation/mitigation strategy is provided as a general guideline. The specific steps required may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the affected website. It is recommended to consult with a security professional to develop a customized security plan. Always back up your website before making any changes.

Assigner

Date

  • Published Date: 2025-03-24 14:15:34
  • Updated Date: 2025-03-27 16:44:44

More Details

CVE-2025-30615