CVE-2025-14985
Stored XSS in Alpha Blocks WordPress Plugin Allows Script Injection
Publication date: 2026-01-24
Last updated on: 2026-01-24
Assigner: Wordfence
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| alpha_blocks | alpha_blocks | to 1.5.0 (inc) |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| CWE ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-79 | The product does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes user-controllable input before it is placed in output that is used as a web page that is served to other users. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
This vulnerability is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue in the Alpha Blocks WordPress plugin (up to version 1.5.0). It arises because the plugin does not properly sanitize or escape input in the 'alpha_block_css' parameter. Authenticated users with Contributor-level access or higher can inject malicious scripts into pages via this parameter. These scripts then execute whenever any user views the affected page, potentially compromising site security. [1]
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
If exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers with Contributor-level access or above to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages. This can lead to unauthorized actions such as stealing user credentials, performing actions on behalf of users, defacing the website, or distributing malware. Since the malicious scripts execute in the context of users visiting the injected pages, it can compromise the security and integrity of the website and its users. [1]
How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?
Detection of this vulnerability involves checking for the presence of the Alpha Blocks plugin version 1.5.0 or earlier on your WordPress installation and inspecting the 'alpha_block_css' post meta for suspicious or malicious CSS content. Since the vulnerability is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'alpha_block_css' parameter, you can search the WordPress database for posts containing this meta key and review the CSS for injected scripts or unusual content. Commands to assist detection could include using WP-CLI to list post meta and grep for suspicious patterns, for example: 1) wp post meta list --post_id=<post_id> | grep alpha_block_css 2) wp post meta get <post_id> alpha_block_css 3) Searching the database directly with SQL: SELECT post_id, meta_value FROM wp_postmeta WHERE meta_key = 'alpha_block_css' AND meta_value LIKE '%<script>%'; These commands help identify posts where malicious scripts might be stored in the CSS meta. Additionally, monitoring HTTP responses for injected scripts in pages rendered by the plugin can help detect exploitation. [1]
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
Immediate mitigation steps include: 1) Updating the Alpha Blocks plugin to a version later than 1.5.0 where the vulnerability is fixed. 2) Restricting Contributor-level and above users' ability to edit or inject CSS via the 'alpha_block_css' post meta by reviewing user permissions. 3) Temporarily disabling or removing the Alpha Blocks plugin if an update is not available. 4) Reviewing and cleaning any injected malicious CSS or scripts in the 'alpha_block_css' post meta entries in the database. 5) Implementing Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to block suspicious payloads targeting the 'alpha_block_css' parameter. These steps reduce the risk of exploitation until a patch or update is applied. [1]