Nom du plugin	Type of Vulnerability	CVE Number	Urgence	CVE Publish Date	Source URL
Exclusive Addons for Elementor	Remote Code Execution (RCE)	CVE-2025-7498	Haut	2025-08-06	Link

Critical Security Alert: Stored Cross-Site Scripting Vulnerability in Exclusive Addons for Elementor Plugin (≤ 2.7.9.4)

WordPress, powering over 43% of the web, remains a prime target for attackers, especially through vulnerabilities in popular plugins. Recently, a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability has been disclosed affecting the Exclusive Addons for Elementor plugin, versions up to and including 2.7.9.4. This flaw enables authenticated users with Contributor-level privileges or higher to inject malicious scripts through the plugin’s countdown feature, potentially compromising site integrity and visitor security.

As WordPress security experts, we’re here to break down what this vulnerability entails, why it matters, how sites are at risk, and what practical steps you should take to protect your website. Understanding these threats is essential to safeguarding your WordPress ecosystem in today’s ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.

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Understanding the Vulnerability: What is Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)?

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a prevalent security issue where attackers inject malicious scripts into trusted websites, which then execute in the browsers of unsuspecting visitors. Stored XSS — sometimes called persistent XSS — is especially dangerous because the malicious payload is saved on the website (in a database or persistent storage) and delivered to each visitor automatically.

In this particular case, the vulnerability exists in the countdown feature of the Exclusive Addons for Elementor plugin. A malicious actor with at least Contributor privileges can inject malicious JavaScript or HTML code that will execute every time users visit the affected page, enabling actions such as:

• Session hijacking
• Redirecting visitors to phishing or malware-laden sites
• Displaying unwanted advertisements or misleading content
• Stealing sensitive user data or cookies

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Vulnerability Specifics: Exclusive Addons for Elementor (≤ 2.7.9.4)

• Plugin: Exclusive Addons for Elementor
• Vulnerable Versions: 2.7.9.4 and below
• Version corrigée: 2.7.9.5
• Type de vulnérabilité: Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
• Privilèges requis: Contributor or higher
• Score CVSS: 6.5 (Medium Severity)
• Date de divulgation: 6 August 2025
• Identifiant CVE: CVE-2025-7498

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Why This Vulnerability Matters

At first glance, a contributor-level stored XSS might seem less urgent than vulnerabilities exploitable by anonymous or unauthenticated users. However, the implications remain critical:

1. Insider Threat Vector

Contributor accounts often belong to trusted content creators or third-party contributors. If such accounts are compromised or managed by malicious insiders, they can weaponize this vulnerability to plant scripts that jeopardize the entire site’s visitors and administrators.

2. Persistent Attack Surface

Because the injected malicious code is stored persistently inside the site’s database via the countdown shortcode or widget, any visitor loading the vulnerable page risks exposure—potentially leading to widespread harm.

3. Elevation of Impact Through Social Engineering

Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to craft realistic phishing attempts, inject fraudulent messages, or harvest sensitive information stealthily from users.

4. Compliance and Reputation Risks

Security incidents caused by XSS vulnerabilities undermine user trust, damage your brand reputation, and can result in compliance breaches (such as GDPR), especially when personal data is at risk.

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How Attackers Exploit This Countdown Feature Vulnerability

The root cause lies in improper sanitization and output escaping of user inputs related to the countdown widget. Contributors can input crafted payloads that are saved without filtering, and later delivered verbatim to anyone visiting the page featuring that countdown timer.

Typical exploitation flow:

• A user with Contributor rights adds or edits a countdown timer shortcode/widget.
• The malicious JavaScript code is embedded in the countdown settings.
• The plugin stores this payload in the database without proper sanitization.
• Visitors to the webpage render the countdown and inadvertently execute the malicious script.
• The attacker gains a foothold to execute various malicious actions as described above.

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Real-World Implications and Risks

• Cross-site Session Hijacking: Exploiting session cookies to impersonate users.
• Drive-by Malware Infection: Redirecting to malicious payloads or malvertising.
• Data Leakage: Extracting sensitive user credentials or info.
• SEO Spam & Reputation Damage: Injecting spam content visible to search engines and users alike.
• Website Defacement: Displaying unauthorized content, damaging brand integrity.

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Qui est à risque?

• All websites running Exclusive Addons for Elementor plugin version 2.7.9.4 or lower.
• Sites where multiple users have Contributor (or higher) privileges, especially if account management is lax.
• WordPress sites relying heavily on the countdown addon from this particular plugin version.
• Sites that do NOT have timely update and patch management in place.

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Recommended Actions To Secure Your Website

1. Update Immediately

The developers have released version 2.7.9.5, which patches the vulnerability. Updating to this or later versions is the single most effective way to mitigate the risk.

Dashboard → Plugins → Exclusive Addons for Elementor → Update to 2.7.9.5 or later

2. Audit User Privileges

Evaluate your user roles and permissions. Only assign Contributor or higher roles to trusted individuals. Avoid excess privilege assignments.

3. Review Countdown Widgets/Shortcodes

Check existing countdown elements for suspicious or unfamiliar code—especially scripts or unexpected HTML segments injected into countdown timers.

4. Harden Input Validation & Output Sanitization

While plugin authors must address this, you can employ security plugins or Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) that detect and block malicious payload patterns embedded in input fields or outputs.

5. Monitor Logs and Site Behavior

Keep an eye on web server logs, access patterns, and user actions for unusual activity. Early detection is key in minimizing damage.

6. Implement a WordPress Firewall & Security Scanner

Deploy a managed Firewall solution designed to detect and block exploit attempts, malware, and suspicious payloads targeting plugin vulnerabilities.

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Understanding the Severity: Medium, But Not To Be Ignored

Avec un CVSS score of 6.5, this vulnerability is rated as medium severity, primarily due to the required Contributor privileges and limited attack vector. However, the impact of stored XSS vulnerabilities can be disproportionately high, especially when combined with social engineering or hijacked credentials.

Therefore, even vulnerabilities that seem low or medium priority warrant timely remediation and vigilance. Ignoring them creates opportunities for attackers to compromise your site and escalate their foothold further.

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Best Practices For Keeping WordPress Plugin Security Tight

This incident highlights broader security lessons for WordPress users:

• Keep all plugins, themes, and WordPress core updated at all times.
• Minimize the number of users with editorial or higher privileges.
• Use strong passwords and implement two-factor authentication (2FA) for editors and admins.
• Regularly audit installed plugins for trusted sources and recent security reports.
• Leverage a comprehensive firewall that includes vulnerability virtual patching and threat intelligence.
• Back up your site regularly and before major updates or audits.

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Holistic Approach: Why Layered Security is Essential for WordPress

WordPress sites should never rely on a single security measure. Complement core and plugin updates with continuous security monitoring, firewall protection, malware scanning, and active incident response.

Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) can block exploit attempts automatically by recognizing attack signatures and preventing threats even before official patches become available—a gamechanger in reducing exposure windows.

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Protect Your Site Now with Essential Security Features — At No Cost

Running the latest updates is crucial — but proactive protection is where you gain ultimate peace of mind.

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It’s an ideal way to safeguard your WordPress site from plugin vulnerabilities like the one disclosed here—stopping threats before they reach your visitors.

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What Comes Next: Advanced Protection and Support

For websites requiring enhanced capabilities, our Standard et Pro plans build on the free plan with powerful features such as:

• Automated malware removal
• IP blacklisting/whitelisting
• Monthly security reporting
• Virtual patching for zero-day vulnerabilities
• Dedicated security managers and optimization support

Whether you’re a solo site owner or a business managing multiple websites, a layered, managed security approach helps you stay ahead of threats—and sleep better at night.

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Summary and Final Thoughts

The newly unveiled stored XSS vulnerability in Exclusive Addons for Elementor plugin versions 2.7.9.4 and below serves as a timely reminder: plugin vulnerabilities can undermine WordPress security, even if exploited by contributors or authenticated users.

Exploited maliciously, this flaw can lead to site defacement, data theft, and widespread visitor compromise. To mitigate this risk:

• Update the plugin to 2.7.9.5 or later immediately.
• Review and restrict contributor privileges carefully.
• Use a robust WordPress firewall with active patching and malware scanning capabilities.
• Stay vigilant with ongoing monitoring for suspicious behavior.

Remember, web security is not a one-time fix — it’s an ongoing commitment. Equip your WordPress site with essential defenses, keep everything up to date, and act promptly on vulnerability disclosures like this.

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Stay safe, stay updated, and keep your WordPress defenses tight. Your visitors—and your peace of mind—depend on it.

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This blog was prepared by a WordPress security specialist focused on practical, expert-driven advice to help you maintain a secure and resilient website.