CVE-2025-11869: CWE-79 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') in simonpedge Precise Columns
The Precise Columns plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the `wrap_id` shortcode attribute in all versions up to, and including, 1.0. This is due to the plugin not properly sanitizing user input or escaping output when inserting the wrapper ID into the generated HTML. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with contributor-level access and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2025-11869 is a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability identified in the Precise Columns plugin for WordPress, developed by simonpedge. This vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 1.0 due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically related to the wrap_id shortcode attribute. The plugin fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before inserting it into the HTML output, allowing an attacker with contributor-level privileges or higher to inject arbitrary JavaScript code. Because the injected script is stored in the page content, it executes every time the page is loaded by any user, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing cookies, or performing actions on behalf of users. Exploitation requires authenticated access at contributor level or above, but no user interaction is needed for the malicious script to execute once injected. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality and integrity but does not affect availability. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.4, reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, privileges required, no user interaction, and a scope change. No known public exploits or patches are currently available, highlighting the need for immediate mitigation measures by affected sites.
Potential Impact
This vulnerability poses a significant risk to WordPress sites using the Precise Columns plugin, especially those allowing contributor-level users to add or edit content. Successful exploitation can lead to session hijacking, unauthorized actions performed on behalf of users, defacement, or distribution of malware through injected scripts. Since the malicious code executes in the context of the victim's browser, it can bypass same-origin policies and access sensitive information such as cookies or tokens. The scope of impact extends to all users who visit the compromised pages, potentially including site administrators and privileged users, thereby increasing the risk of further compromise. Although the vulnerability does not directly affect availability, the reputational damage and potential data breaches can have severe consequences for organizations. The medium CVSS score reflects the moderate ease of exploitation combined with the requirement for authenticated access, but the broad impact on confidentiality and integrity remains a concern.
Mitigation Recommendations
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should immediately restrict contributor-level access to trusted users only and audit existing content for suspicious shortcode usage. Implementing a web application firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block malicious script patterns in shortcode attributes can provide temporary protection. Administrators should monitor logs for unusual activity related to the wrap_id attribute or shortcode injections. Until an official patch is released, consider disabling or removing the Precise Columns plugin if feasible. Additionally, applying strict Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can help limit the impact of injected scripts by restricting script execution sources. Educating content contributors about safe input practices and regularly updating all WordPress plugins and core software will reduce exposure to similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Affected Countries
United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Australia, France, India, Brazil, Japan, Netherlands
CVE-2025-11869: CWE-79 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') in simonpedge Precise Columns
Description
The Precise Columns plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the `wrap_id` shortcode attribute in all versions up to, and including, 1.0. This is due to the plugin not properly sanitizing user input or escaping output when inserting the wrapper ID into the generated HTML. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with contributor-level access and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2025-11869 is a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability identified in the Precise Columns plugin for WordPress, developed by simonpedge. This vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 1.0 due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically related to the wrap_id shortcode attribute. The plugin fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before inserting it into the HTML output, allowing an attacker with contributor-level privileges or higher to inject arbitrary JavaScript code. Because the injected script is stored in the page content, it executes every time the page is loaded by any user, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing cookies, or performing actions on behalf of users. Exploitation requires authenticated access at contributor level or above, but no user interaction is needed for the malicious script to execute once injected. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality and integrity but does not affect availability. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.4, reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, privileges required, no user interaction, and a scope change. No known public exploits or patches are currently available, highlighting the need for immediate mitigation measures by affected sites.
Potential Impact
This vulnerability poses a significant risk to WordPress sites using the Precise Columns plugin, especially those allowing contributor-level users to add or edit content. Successful exploitation can lead to session hijacking, unauthorized actions performed on behalf of users, defacement, or distribution of malware through injected scripts. Since the malicious code executes in the context of the victim's browser, it can bypass same-origin policies and access sensitive information such as cookies or tokens. The scope of impact extends to all users who visit the compromised pages, potentially including site administrators and privileged users, thereby increasing the risk of further compromise. Although the vulnerability does not directly affect availability, the reputational damage and potential data breaches can have severe consequences for organizations. The medium CVSS score reflects the moderate ease of exploitation combined with the requirement for authenticated access, but the broad impact on confidentiality and integrity remains a concern.
Mitigation Recommendations
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should immediately restrict contributor-level access to trusted users only and audit existing content for suspicious shortcode usage. Implementing a web application firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block malicious script patterns in shortcode attributes can provide temporary protection. Administrators should monitor logs for unusual activity related to the wrap_id attribute or shortcode injections. Until an official patch is released, consider disabling or removing the Precise Columns plugin if feasible. Additionally, applying strict Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can help limit the impact of injected scripts by restricting script execution sources. Educating content contributors about safe input practices and regularly updating all WordPress plugins and core software will reduce exposure to similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- Wordfence
- Date Reserved
- 2025-10-16T15:00:52.419Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6912b12f14bc3e00ba783ce1
Added to database: 11/11/2025, 3:44:47 AM
Last enriched: 2/27/2026, 7:34:20 PM
Last updated: 3/26/2026, 11:14:30 AM
Views: 106
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