CVE-2025-22738 is a medium-severity vulnerability classified as a Stored Cross-site Scripting (XSS) issue affecting the wp_ulike plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages, potentially leading to unauthorized actions under the context of legitimate users. The issue affects versions of wp_ulike up to and including 4.7.6.
Given its medium CVSS score of 5.9, it presents a significant risk, particularly because it requires high privileges and user interaction, making it exploitable over the network. Organizations utilizing this plugin should address this vulnerability in their patch management processes.
Risk to organizations includes the potential for unauthorized script execution, data theft, or manipulation when users interact with compromised pages. Prompt action is recommended to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Vulnerability Details
The CVE-2025-22738 vulnerability is characterized by improper neutralization of input during web page generation, which leads to Stored XSS. The official CVSS score from the NVD is 4.8, indicating a medium severity level, while the Patchstack assessment gives it a score of 5.9.
The affected product is the wp_ulike plugin, specifically versions from n/a through 4.7.6. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-79.
The vulnerability was published on January 15, 2025, and has been modified since then.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2025-22738 lies in the wp_ulike plugin's failure to properly validate and sanitize user input during the generation of web pages. This oversight allows an attacker with high privileges to inject malicious scripts that will be executed in the context of other users.
The attack vector is network-based, requiring the attacker to craft a request that includes the malicious payload. The attack complexity is low, and high privileges are required to exploit this vulnerability, meaning that only users with such privileges can trigger the issue.
User interaction is required, as the malicious script will execute when a victim user interacts with the compromised page. The impacts of this vulnerability include low confidentiality, integrity, and availability, but the potential for data theft or unauthorized actions remains significant.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk of CVE-2025-22738 is considerable, particularly for organizations using the wp_ulike plugin in public-facing applications. The risk extends to the potential for data breaches, loss of integrity of user sessions, and exploitation of user trust.
The blast radius could be significant, affecting all users who interact with the compromised plugin, thereby multiplying the potential impact across the user base. Given the medium CVSS score, organizations should assess their urgency based on the current threat landscape and prioritize remediation accordingly.
The exploitation status is currently not known to be actively exploited in the wild, but organizations should remain vigilant and monitor their systems for any signs of compromise.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The wp_ulike plugin is affected in all versions prior to vendor patch, specifically from n/a through 4.7.6. Organizations should ensure they are using the latest version to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should implement the following measures to mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2025-22738:
1. Update the wp_ulike plugin to the latest version to eliminate the vulnerability.
2. Review and sanitize user input to prevent XSS vulnerabilities in general.
3. Implement additional security measures, such as web application firewalls, to help detect and mitigate attacks.
4. Conduct regular security assessments, including penetration testing, to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.
For further assistance on security assessments, organizations can consider engaging in penetration testing services.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor the following indicators to detect potential exploitation of CVE-2025-22738:
1. Log indicators of user input handling and script execution.
2. Monitor for unusual behavior or activity associated with user accounts that have high privileges.
3. Set up alerts for any unauthorized changes to web pages or content.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2025-22738 lies in its representation of the ongoing risks associated with web application vulnerabilities, particularly in widely used plugins such as wp_ulike. As the frequency of vulnerabilities continues to rise, security teams must remain vigilant and proactive in their defenses.
This vulnerability highlights the need for secure coding practices and regular vulnerability assessments. Security teams should consider integrating a penetration testing methodology into their regular security review cycles.
Furthermore, the pattern of exploitation stemming from user input vulnerabilities, such as XSS, underscores the importance of input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should also prioritize training developers on secure coding practices.
Lastly, as the threat landscape evolves, security teams must adapt their strategies to ensure robust defenses against both existing and emerging vulnerabilities. For further insights on effective security practices, organizations can refer to our guide on vulnerability management programs to strengthen their overall security posture.
Known Exploitation Timeline
Currently, there are no known instances of exploitation related to CVE-2025-22738.
EPSS Risk Context
The EPSS score for this vulnerability is 0.00076, placing it in the 22.69 percentile. This low score suggests a relatively low probability of exploitation in the wild, although organizations should still remain vigilant.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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