WordPress, Cross-site Scripting (XSS), CVE-2025-22738 (Critical)

How the CVE Works:

CVE-2025-22738 is a critical stored Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the WP ULike plugin for WordPress. The vulnerability arises due to improper neutralization of user input during web page generation. Attackers can inject malicious JavaScript code into the application, which is then stored and executed when other users access the affected page. This allows attackers to steal sensitive information, such as session cookies, or perform actions on behalf of the victim. The vulnerability affects WP ULike versions up to 4.7.6.

DailyCVE Form:

Platform: WordPress

Version: Up to 4.7.6

Vulnerability: Stored XSS

Severity: Critical

Date: 01/15/2025

What Undercode Say:

Exploitation:

  1. Payload Injection: Attackers inject malicious scripts into user-input fields (e.g., comments, likes).
  2. Persistence: The payload is stored in the database and executed when the page is loaded.
  3. Impact: Steal cookies, redirect users, or perform unauthorized actions.

Protection:

  1. Update Plugin: Upgrade WP ULike to version 4.7.7 or later.
  2. Input Sanitization: Implement proper input validation and output escaping.
  3. Content Security Policy (CSP): Use CSP headers to restrict script execution.

Commands:

1. Check Plugin Version:

wp plugin get wp-ulike --field=version

2. Update Plugin:

wp plugin update wp-ulike

Code Snippets:

1. Sanitization in PHP:

$clean_input = sanitize_text_field($_POST['user_input']);

2. CSP Header:

header("Content-Security-Policy: default-src 'self'; script-src 'self'");

References:

  1. Patchstack Advisory
  2. NVD Entry
  3. WordPress Plugin Directory

Analytics:

  • CVSS Score: 9.8 (Critical)
  • Attack Vector: Network
  • Attack Complexity: Low
  • Privileges Required: None
  • User Interaction: Required
  • Scope: Unchanged

Tools:

1. WPScan: Scan for vulnerable plugins.

wpscan --url example.com --enumerate vp

2. Burp Suite: Test for XSS vulnerabilities.

By following these steps, users can mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2025-22738 and secure their WordPress installations.

References:

Reported By: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-22738
Extra Source Hub:
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