CVE-2025-4212: Critical Stored XSS Vulnerability Plagues Checkout Files Upload for WooCommerce

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Overview

A significant security vulnerability, identified as CVE-2025-4212, has been discovered in the Checkout Files Upload for WooCommerce plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability is classified as a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) flaw, affecting versions up to and including 2.2.1. Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this weakness by uploading malicious image files containing injected web scripts. These scripts execute whenever a user accesses the page where the uploaded file is displayed, potentially leading to account compromise, data theft, or website defacement.

Technical Details

The root cause of CVE-2025-4212 lies in the plugin’s failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input during file uploads and its inadequate output escaping. Specifically, the plugin does not sufficiently validate the content of image files uploaded through the checkout process. This allows an attacker to embed malicious JavaScript code within the image’s metadata or pixel data. When a user, such as an administrator or customer service representative, views the uploaded image (e.g., within the WooCommerce order details page), the injected script is executed within their browser session. This execution happens because the plugin fails to properly escape the file content before rendering it in the browser.

CVSS Analysis

This vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 7.2 (HIGH). The CVSS vector likely includes metrics reflecting the following:

  • Attack Vector (AV): Network (Remote exploitation)
  • Attack Complexity (AC): Low (Easy to exploit)
  • Privileges Required (PR): None (No authentication required to upload)
  • User Interaction (UI): Required (User needs to view the affected page)
  • Scope (S): Changed (The vulnerability can affect more than just the vulnerable component)
  • Confidentiality Impact (C): Low (Limited data disclosure)
  • Integrity Impact (I): Low (Limited ability to modify data)
  • Availability Impact (A): Low (Limited disruption of service)

The High severity stems from the potential for widespread compromise and the relative ease with which the vulnerability can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers.

Possible Impact

Successful exploitation of CVE-2025-4212 can have several serious consequences:

  • Account Takeover: An attacker could steal administrator cookies or credentials, gaining full control over the WooCommerce store.
  • Data Theft: Sensitive customer data, such as payment information or personal details, could be compromised.
  • Website Defacement: The attacker could inject malicious content into the website, damaging its reputation and user experience.
  • Malware Distribution: The injected script could redirect users to malicious websites or attempt to install malware on their devices.

Mitigation or Patch Steps

The recommended course of action is to immediately update the Checkout Files Upload for WooCommerce plugin to version 2.2.2 or later. This version includes a fix that addresses the XSS vulnerability by properly sanitizing file uploads and escaping output. If updating is not immediately possible, consider temporarily disabling the plugin until the update can be applied. Regularly monitor the plugin developer’s website and WordPress security news sources for any further updates or advisories.

References

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