CVE-2025-22805
📋 TL;DR
This stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the WordPress Skill Bar plugin allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages that are then executed when other users view those pages. All WordPress sites using the Skill Bar plugin version 1.2 or earlier are affected. The vulnerability enables attackers to steal session cookies, redirect users, or perform actions on their behalf.
💻 Affected Systems
- ThemePoints Skill Bar WordPress Plugin
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could steal administrator credentials, take over the WordPress site, install backdoors, deface the website, or use the compromised site to attack visitors.
Likely Case
Attackers inject malicious JavaScript to steal user session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or perform actions as authenticated users.
If Mitigated
With proper input validation and output encoding, the malicious scripts would be neutralized and rendered harmless as text rather than executable code.
🎯 Exploit Status
Stored XSS vulnerabilities are commonly exploited in the wild. The Patchstack advisory provides technical details that could be used to create exploits.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.3 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Skill Bar' plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update is available. 5. If no update appears, manually download version 1.3+ from WordPress repository and replace the plugin files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Skill Bar Plugin
allTemporarily deactivate the vulnerable plugin until patched version is available
wp plugin deactivate skillbars
Implement Content Security Policy
allAdd CSP headers to restrict script execution sources
Add to .htaccess: Header set Content-Security-Policy "default-src 'self'; script-src 'self'"
Add to nginx config: add_header Content-Security-Policy "default-src 'self'; script-src 'self'";
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove the Skill Bar plugin completely and use alternative functionality
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block XSS payloads targeting the Skill Bar plugin endpoints
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin → Plugins → Installed Plugins for 'Skill Bar' version 1.2 or earlierCheck Version:
wp plugin get skillbars --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 1.3 or higher in WordPress admin panel📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to skillbars-related endpoints
- JavaScript payloads in form submissions or URL parameters
- Multiple failed XSS attempts
Network Indicators:
- Malicious script tags in HTTP requests to /wp-content/plugins/skillbars/
- Suspicious JavaScript in skillbar-related API calls
SIEM Query:
source="web_server" AND (uri="*skillbars*" AND (content="<script>" OR content="javascript:" OR content="onerror=" OR content="onload="))