CVE-2025-22630 Overview
CVE-2025-22630 is an Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command (Command Injection) vulnerability discovered in the Marketing Fire Widget Options plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands on the underlying server, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Critical Impact
This OS Command Injection vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary system commands on the web server hosting the vulnerable WordPress installation, potentially allowing complete server takeover, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within the network.
Affected Products
- Marketing Fire Widget Options plugin for WordPress versions through 4.1.0
- WordPress installations running vulnerable Widget Options plugin versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-02-14 - CVE-2025-22630 published to NVD
- 2026-04-01 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-22630
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability falls under CWE-77 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command), commonly known as Command Injection. The Widget Options plugin fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before passing it to system-level command execution functions. When an attacker provides specially crafted input containing shell metacharacters or command separators, the underlying operating system interprets these characters as command delimiters, allowing the execution of arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process.
The vulnerability affects all versions of the Widget Options plugin from the initial release through version 4.1.0. WordPress sites running this plugin are exposed to potential arbitrary code execution, which could allow attackers to read sensitive files, modify website content, install backdoors, or pivot to other systems on the network.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability is insufficient input validation and sanitization within the Widget Options plugin. The plugin processes user-controlled data that is subsequently incorporated into system command strings without adequate neutralization of shell-special characters such as semicolons (;), pipes (|), backticks (`), and command substitution sequences ($()). This allows attackers to break out of the intended command context and inject their own malicious commands.
Attack Vector
The attack vector for CVE-2025-22630 involves sending malicious input through the Widget Options plugin interface. An attacker with access to the vulnerable functionality can inject OS commands by appending shell metacharacters followed by their desired commands to legitimate input parameters. The injected commands execute with the same privileges as the web server process, typically www-data or apache on Linux systems.
The exploitation requires network access to the WordPress installation and the ability to interact with the vulnerable plugin functionality. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary commands, establish persistent access through web shells, access database credentials stored in wp-config.php, or compromise the entire server.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-22630
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual process spawning from web server processes (e.g., sh, bash, cmd.exe spawned by PHP processes)
- Unexpected network connections originating from the web server to external IP addresses
- New or modified files in WordPress directories, particularly PHP files containing base64-encoded content or unusual function calls
- Web server logs showing requests with shell metacharacters (;, |, `, $()) in parameter values
Detection Strategies
- Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block command injection patterns in HTTP requests
- Monitor process trees for anomalous child processes spawned by the web server
- Deploy file integrity monitoring on WordPress core files, plugins, and upload directories
- Analyze web server access logs for suspicious parameter patterns associated with command injection attempts
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging for the WordPress installation and web server to capture detailed request information
- Configure SIEM alerts for command injection indicators in web application logs
- Establish baseline behavior for web server processes and alert on deviations
- Monitor outbound network traffic from web servers for unusual destinations or protocols
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-22630
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress installations using the Widget Options plugin and determine the installed version
- Temporarily disable the Widget Options plugin on affected sites until a patch is available or applied
- Review web server logs for signs of exploitation attempts or successful compromise
- Implement WAF rules to block common command injection patterns targeting the plugin
Patch Information
Site administrators should check the Patchstack Security Advisory for detailed information about available patches and updated plugin versions. Users should update the Widget Options plugin to the latest version that addresses this vulnerability as soon as a fix is released by the vendor.
Workarounds
- Disable and remove the Widget Options plugin if it is not essential for site functionality
- Restrict access to the WordPress admin panel using IP-based access controls or VPN requirements
- Implement a WAF with rules specifically designed to detect and block OS command injection attempts
- Apply the principle of least privilege to web server processes to limit the impact of successful exploitation
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
