CVE-2025-15019 identifies a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Bulk Auto Image Alt Text (Alt tag, Alt attribute) optimizer plugin developed by pagup for WordPress, specifically versions up to and including 2.2.1. This plugin integrates with Yoast SEO and WooCommerce to automate the addition of alt text for images, enhancing SEO. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of input during web page generation (CWE-79), where the 'bialty_cs_alt' post meta field does not undergo sufficient sanitization or output escaping. Authenticated users with contributor-level permissions or higher can inject arbitrary JavaScript code into this field. When an administrator accesses the post editor interface, the malicious script executes in their browser context, potentially allowing session hijacking, privilege escalation, or other malicious actions. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.4, reflecting medium severity, with an attack vector of network (remote), low attack complexity, requiring privileges (contributor or above), no user interaction, and a scope change due to impact on administrator privileges. No patches or fixes are currently linked, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild. The vulnerability highlights the risk of insufficient input validation in WordPress plugins that handle user-generated content and metadata, especially when integrated with widely used SEO and e-commerce tools.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to WordPress-based websites that utilize the pagup Bulk Auto Image Alt Text optimizer plugin alongside Yoast SEO and WooCommerce. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized script execution in administrator sessions, enabling attackers to hijack admin accounts, modify website content, inject malicious payloads, or disrupt website operations. This can result in data breaches, defacement, loss of customer trust, and potential regulatory non-compliance under GDPR if personal data is exposed or manipulated. E-commerce sites are particularly at risk due to potential manipulation of product pages or checkout processes. The requirement for contributor-level access limits exposure to insider threats or compromised lower-privilege accounts but still represents a serious threat vector. The absence of known exploits suggests a window of opportunity for proactive mitigation before widespread attacks occur.

European organizations should immediately audit their WordPress installations to identify the presence of the pagup Bulk Auto Image Alt Text optimizer plugin and verify the version in use. Until an official patch is released, organizations should restrict contributor-level access to trusted users only and monitor for unusual activity in post meta fields, especially 'bialty_cs_alt'. Implementing Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious script injections in post meta data can provide temporary protection. Administrators should avoid opening post editors unnecessarily and consider using hardened browsers or isolated environments for administrative tasks. Additionally, organizations should follow best practices by regularly updating all WordPress plugins and core software, and subscribe to security advisories for timely patch deployment once available. Conducting security awareness training for content contributors about the risks of injecting untrusted content is also recommended.