CVE-2025-30623
📋 TL;DR
This stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the wA11y WordPress plugin allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages. When users view compromised pages, the scripts execute in their browsers, potentially stealing credentials or performing unauthorized actions. All WordPress sites using wA11y plugin versions up to 1.0.3 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- wA11y – The Web Accessibility Toolbox 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 site, or use it to attack visitors.
Likely Case
Attackers inject malicious JavaScript to steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users.
If Mitigated
With proper input validation and output encoding, malicious scripts would be neutralized before reaching users' browsers.
🎯 Exploit Status
Stored XSS vulnerabilities are commonly exploited, though specific exploit details for this CVE aren't publicly documented.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.0.4 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'wA11y – The Web Accessibility Toolbox'. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update is available. 5. Alternatively, download version 1.0.4+ from WordPress.org and replace the plugin files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable plugin
allTemporarily disable the wA11y plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate wa11y
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 wA11y plugin entirely and use alternative accessibility solutions
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block XSS payloads
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin → Plugins → Installed Plugins for wA11y version. If version is 1.0.3 or earlier, you're vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get wa11y --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify plugin version shows 1.0.4 or later in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to plugin endpoints
- JavaScript payloads in request parameters
- Multiple failed XSS attempts
Network Indicators:
- Malicious script tags in HTTP requests
- Suspicious characters like <script> in URLs
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND ("wa11y" OR "web accessibility") AND ("<script>" OR "javascript:" OR "onerror=" OR "onload=")