CVE-2025-32228 Overview
CVE-2025-32228 is a sensitive data exposure vulnerability in the WP Messiah AI Image Alt Text Generator for WP plugin for WordPress. The flaw allows an authenticated attacker with low privileges to retrieve embedded sensitive data from the affected system. The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-497] (Exposure of Sensitive System Information to an Unauthorized Control Sphere) and affects all plugin versions up to and including 1.1.9.
Critical Impact
An authenticated user with low privileges can retrieve embedded sensitive information over the network without user interaction, exposing configuration secrets or API-related data stored by the plugin.
Affected Products
- WP Messiah AI Image Alt Text Generator for WP plugin (ai-image-alt-text-generator-for-wp)
- All versions from n/a through 1.1.9
- WordPress installations running the vulnerable plugin
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-04-10 - CVE-2025-32228 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-32228
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability stems from improper protection of sensitive information stored or embedded within the plugin. An attacker with a low-privileged authenticated session can issue requests to plugin endpoints and receive data that should remain restricted to administrators. The exposed information may include API keys, internal configuration values, or other embedded secrets used by the AI image alt text generation functionality.
The issue is remotely exploitable over the network. It requires low privileges and no user interaction, but only affects confidentiality. Integrity and availability of the WordPress site are not directly impacted by this weakness.
Root Cause
The plugin fails to enforce proper access controls when returning system or configuration data. Sensitive values remain accessible through functionality that does not correctly validate the requester's authorization level. This aligns with [CWE-497], where sensitive information intended for privileged users is exposed to an unauthorized control sphere.
Attack Vector
An attacker authenticates to the WordPress site as any low-privileged user, such as a subscriber. The attacker then interacts with plugin endpoints or actions that return sensitive data. Because the plugin does not perform sufficient capability checks, the response includes information that should be gated behind administrator privileges. Refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for advisory details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-32228
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual authenticated requests from low-privileged accounts targeting ai-image-alt-text-generator-for-wp plugin endpoints
- Successful HTTP 200 responses containing configuration keys, tokens, or API credentials returned to non-administrator users
- Repeated enumeration of plugin AJAX actions or REST routes by newly registered accounts
Detection Strategies
- Audit WordPress access logs for requests to plugin routes originating from subscriber or contributor accounts
- Compare response sizes and content types from plugin endpoints across privilege levels to identify inconsistent authorization
- Inspect installed plugin inventory and flag any instance of ai-image-alt-text-generator-for-wp at version 1.1.9 or earlier
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging on the WordPress instance and forward logs to a centralized SIEM for correlation
- Alert on the creation of new low-privileged accounts followed by plugin endpoint interaction within a short time window
- Track outbound traffic from the web host for signs that exposed API keys are being reused by unauthorized parties
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-32228
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress sites running the AI Image Alt Text Generator for WP plugin at version 1.1.9 or earlier
- Deactivate and remove the vulnerable plugin until a patched release is confirmed installed
- Rotate any API keys, tokens, or credentials that were configured within the plugin, assuming exposure
- Review recent user registrations and remove suspicious low-privileged accounts
Patch Information
At the time of the NVD entry, the advisory lists affected versions from n/a through 1.1.9. Consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for the latest fixed version guidance and upgrade to a release above 1.1.9 once available from the vendor.
Workarounds
- Restrict user registration on the WordPress site to trusted parties only, reducing the pool of authenticated attackers
- Place the WordPress admin and plugin endpoints behind a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules that block plugin routes for non-administrator roles
- Remove the plugin entirely if AI alt text generation is not a required capability
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
