CVE-2025-23816
📋 TL;DR
This stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Metaphor Widgets WordPress plugin allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages that are then executed when other users view those pages. The vulnerability affects all WordPress sites using Metaphor Widgets versions up to 2.4. Attackers can steal session cookies, redirect users, or perform actions on their behalf.
💻 Affected Systems
- Metaphor Widgets 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 session cookies, take over WordPress sites, install backdoors, deface websites, or redirect visitors to malicious sites.
Likely Case
Attackers inject malicious JavaScript to steal user session cookies or credentials, potentially compromising user accounts and performing unauthorized actions.
If Mitigated
With proper input validation and output encoding, malicious scripts would be neutralized before reaching users, preventing execution.
🎯 Exploit Status
Stored XSS vulnerabilities are commonly exploited and weaponized. While no public PoC is mentioned, the vulnerability type is well-understood and easily exploitable.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 2.4
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find Metaphor Widgets and check if update is available. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update is available. 5. If no update appears, manually download latest version from WordPress repository and replace plugin files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Metaphor Widgets Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate mtphr-widgets
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
- Disable the Metaphor Widgets plugin immediately
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block XSS payloads
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin → Plugins → Installed Plugins → Metaphor Widgets version. If version is 2.4 or earlier, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get mtphr-widgets --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify Metaphor Widgets version is greater than 2.4 in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to WordPress admin-ajax.php or widget update endpoints
- JavaScript payloads in POST parameters containing <script> tags or event handlers
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing JavaScript payloads in POST data
- Unusual outbound connections after widget content updates
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND ("admin-ajax.php" OR "widgets.php") AND ("<script>" OR "javascript:" OR "onload=" OR "onerror=")