CVE-2025-2166 is a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the CM FAQ plugin for WordPress, developed by creativemindssolutions. The vulnerability exists due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically related to the use of the WordPress function remove_query_arg without appropriate escaping of URL parameters. This flaw allows an unauthenticated attacker to craft malicious URLs that, when clicked by a victim, cause arbitrary JavaScript code to execute within the victim’s browser context. The vulnerability affects all versions of the plugin up to and including version 1.2.5. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.1, reflecting a medium severity level, with the vector indicating network attack vector (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), user interaction required (UI:R), scope changed (S:C), and impacts on confidentiality and integrity but not availability (C:L/I:L/A:N). The vulnerability could be exploited to steal session cookies, perform actions on behalf of the user, or conduct phishing attacks. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the risk remains due to the plugin’s usage in WordPress environments worldwide. The root cause is a failure to properly sanitize and escape user-controlled input before reflecting it in web pages, a common issue in web application security categorized under CWE-79. The plugin’s role in managing FAQs means that compromised sites could be used to mislead users or steal sensitive information. Since the vulnerability is exploitable without authentication but requires user interaction, social engineering is a likely attack vector. The vulnerability’s scope is limited to sites using this specific plugin, but given WordPress’s market share, the affected population is significant. The patch status is currently unreported, so users should monitor vendor updates closely.

The primary impact of CVE-2025-2166 is on the confidentiality and integrity of users interacting with affected WordPress sites. Successful exploitation can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed in the context of the victim’s browser session. This can result in account compromise, data leakage, or further exploitation of the site. Since the vulnerability is reflected XSS, it requires tricking users into clicking malicious links, which can be distributed via email, social media, or other communication channels. The availability of the site is not directly affected. Organizations relying on the CM FAQ plugin for customer support or information dissemination risk reputational damage and loss of user trust if exploited. Additionally, attackers could use the vulnerability as a stepping stone for more complex attacks, such as delivering malware or phishing campaigns. The medium CVSS score reflects a moderate risk, but the widespread use of WordPress and the plugin increases the potential attack surface globally. Without timely mitigation, organizations may face increased exposure to client-side attacks and data breaches.

1. Monitor for official patches or updates from creativemindssolutions and apply them promptly once available. 2. Until a patch is released, implement manual input validation and output encoding on all URL parameters processed by the plugin, especially those handled by remove_query_arg. 3. Employ a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block reflected XSS attack patterns targeting the plugin’s URL parameters. 4. Educate users and administrators about the risks of clicking suspicious links and encourage cautious behavior regarding unsolicited URLs. 5. Review and restrict the use of the CM FAQ plugin if possible, or consider alternative FAQ management tools with better security track records. 6. Enable Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to reduce the impact of XSS by restricting the execution of unauthorized scripts. 7. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focused on input handling and output encoding in WordPress plugins. 8. Implement security plugins that provide XSS protection and sanitize user inputs site-wide. These measures collectively reduce the risk of exploitation while awaiting an official fix.