CVE-2025-46229
📋 TL;DR
This stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Textmetrics WordPress plugin allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages. When users view affected pages, the scripts execute in their browsers, potentially stealing credentials or performing unauthorized actions. WordPress sites using Textmetrics versions up to 3.6.2 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Textmetrics WordPress plugin
📦 What is this software?
Textmetrics by Textmetrics
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could steal administrator session cookies, take over WordPress sites, deface websites, or redirect users to malicious sites, leading to complete site compromise and data theft.
Likely Case
Attackers inject malicious JavaScript that steals user session cookies or credentials when users visit compromised pages, potentially leading to account takeover.
If Mitigated
With proper input validation and output encoding, malicious scripts would be neutralized before reaching users' browsers, preventing exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
XSS vulnerabilities are commonly exploited, and proof-of-concept details are publicly available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 3.6.3 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/plugin/webtexttool/vulnerability/wordpress-textmetrics-3-6-2-cross-site-scripting-xss-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find Textmetrics plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update is available. 5. Alternatively, download latest version from WordPress repository and replace plugin files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Textmetrics plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate textmetrics
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
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block XSS payloads
- Disable user input fields that accept HTML/JavaScript in Textmetrics settings
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin > Plugins > Installed Plugins for Textmetrics version. If version is 3.6.2 or earlier, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get textmetrics --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify Textmetrics plugin version shows 3.6.3 or later in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to Textmetrics endpoints with script tags
- Multiple failed XSS attempts in web server logs
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing <script> tags to Textmetrics plugin URLs
- Outbound connections to suspicious domains from your WordPress site
SIEM Query:
source="web_server" AND (uri="*textmetrics*" AND (body="*<script>*" OR body="*javascript:*"))