CVE-2025-1406 is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Newpost Catch plugin for WordPress, maintained by s56bouya. The vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 1.3.19 due to insufficient sanitization and escaping of user-supplied attributes in the npc shortcode. This flaw allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages generated by the plugin. Because the injected scripts are stored persistently, they execute every time any user accesses the affected page, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing cookies, or performing unauthorized actions within the context of the victim's browser session. The vulnerability is exploitable remotely over the network without requiring user interaction, with a low attack complexity, but it does require authenticated access at the contributor level or above. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.4, reflecting a medium severity with partial impact on confidentiality and integrity but no impact on availability. No patches or official fixes have been published yet, and no known exploits have been observed in the wild. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79, which relates to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, a common vector for XSS attacks in web applications.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-1406 is the compromise of confidentiality and integrity of user data on affected WordPress sites. Attackers with contributor-level access can inject malicious scripts that execute in the browsers of site visitors and administrators, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, unauthorized actions, or defacement. This can erode user trust, damage brand reputation, and lead to data breaches. Since the vulnerability requires authenticated access, the risk is somewhat mitigated by the need for an attacker to have contributor privileges, but many WordPress sites allow multiple contributors, increasing the attack surface. The stored nature of the XSS means the malicious payload persists and can affect multiple users over time. Organizations relying on the Newpost Catch plugin for content management or publishing are at risk of targeted attacks, especially if they have a large number of contributors or less stringent access controls. The vulnerability does not affect availability directly but can indirectly cause service disruptions if exploited for defacement or administrative account compromise.

To mitigate CVE-2025-1406, organizations should first restrict contributor-level access to trusted users only, minimizing the risk of malicious script injection. Until an official patch is released, consider disabling or removing the npc shortcode functionality within the Newpost Catch plugin to prevent exploitation. Implement web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block suspicious script injection attempts targeting the shortcode parameters. Regularly audit user roles and permissions to ensure no unnecessary elevated privileges are granted. Monitor site content for unexpected script tags or injected code, especially in pages generated by the plugin. When a patch becomes available, apply it promptly. Additionally, educate contributors about safe content practices and the risks of injecting untrusted input. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts in browsers, reducing the impact of potential XSS payloads. Finally, maintain regular backups of site content to enable quick restoration if defacement occurs.