CW Image Optimizer Security & Risk Analysis

wordpress.org/plugins/cw-image-optimizer

Reduce image file sizes and improve performance using Linux image optimization programs.

200 active installs v1.1.10 PHP + WP 2.9+ Updated Dec 18, 2014
attachmentattachmentsimageimages
85
A · Safe
CVEs total0
Unpatched0
Last CVENever
Safety Verdict

Is CW Image Optimizer Safe to Use in 2026?

Generally Safe

Score 85/100

CW Image Optimizer has no known CVEs and is actively maintained. It's a solid choice for most WordPress installations.

No known CVEs Updated 11yr ago
Risk Assessment

The 'cw-image-optimizer' plugin, version 1.1.10, exhibits a generally strong security posture based on the static analysis and vulnerability history provided. The absence of known CVEs and a robust approach to SQL queries (100% using prepared statements) are positive indicators. The plugin also implements nonce and capability checks, which are essential for securing entry points. However, the presence of two 'exec' function calls is a significant concern. While the total attack surface appears limited with zero entry points identified, the ability to execute arbitrary system commands is inherently risky and could lead to severe vulnerabilities if not handled with extreme care and proper sanitization, which is not explicitly detailed in the provided data. Furthermore, only 36% of output is properly escaped, suggesting a potential for cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities if the data being output is not sufficiently sanitized before being presented to users.

Despite the lack of documented vulnerabilities, the code signals warrant caution. The 'exec' calls are a critical risk factor that could be exploited if inputs leading to these functions are not rigorously validated and sanitized. The unescaped output percentage also presents a medium to high risk depending on the context of the data being displayed. The plugin's vulnerability history being clean could indicate either exceptional security practices or simply a lack of discovery; therefore, the internal code signals should be prioritized in the risk assessment. In conclusion, while the plugin benefits from a clean CVE record and secure SQL practices, the presence of dangerous functions and insufficient output escaping necessitates careful review and potential remediation to mitigate significant security risks.

Key Concerns

  • Dangerous function calls (exec)
  • Low percentage of properly escaped output
Vulnerabilities
None known

CW Image Optimizer Security Vulnerabilities

No known vulnerabilities — this is a good sign.
Version History

CW Image Optimizer Release Timeline

v1.1.10Current
v1.1.9
v1.1.8
v1.1.7
v1.1.6
v1.1.5
v1.1.4
v1.1.3
v1.1.2
v1.1.1
v1.1.0
v1.0.2
v1.0.1
v1.0.0
Code Analysis
Analyzed Mar 16, 2026

CW Image Optimizer Code Analysis

Dangerous Functions
2
Raw SQL Queries
0
0 prepared
Unescaped Output
7
4 escaped
Nonce Checks
1
Capability Checks
2
File Operations
0
External Requests
0
Bundled Libraries
0

Dangerous Functions Found

exec$result = trim(exec('which ' . $req));cw-image-optimizer.php:67
exec$result = exec($command . ' ' . escapeshellarg($file));cw-image-optimizer.php:220

Output Escaping

36% escaped11 total outputs
Attack Surface

CW Image Optimizer Attack Surface

Entry Points0
Unprotected0
WordPress Hooks 8
filterwp_generate_attachment_metadatacw-image-optimizer.php:25
filtermanage_media_columnscw-image-optimizer.php:26
actionmanage_media_custom_columncw-image-optimizer.php:27
actionadmin_initcw-image-optimizer.php:28
actionadmin_action_cw_image_optimizer_manualcw-image-optimizer.php:29
actionadmin_noticescw-image-optimizer.php:35
actionadmin_noticescw-image-optimizer.php:40
actionadmin_menucw-image-optimizer.php:111
Maintenance & Trust

CW Image Optimizer Maintenance & Trust

Maintenance Signals

WordPress version tested4.1.42
Last updatedDec 18, 2014
PHP min version
Downloads70K

Community Trust

Rating78/100
Number of ratings14
Active installs200
Developer Profile

CW Image Optimizer Developer Profile

Jacob Allred

6 plugins · 380 total installs

81
trust score
Avg Security Score
82/100
Avg Patch Time
30 days
View full developer profile
Detection Fingerprints

How We Detect CW Image Optimizer

Patterns used to identify this plugin on WordPress sites during automated security audits and web crawling.

Asset Fingerprints

Asset Paths
/wp-content/plugins/cw-image-optimizer/cw-image-optimizer.php
Version Parameters
cw-image-optimizer/cw-image-optimizer.php?ver=

HTML / DOM Fingerprints

CSS Classes
cw-image-optimizer-warning-oscw-image-optimizer-warning-opt-png
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about CW Image Optimizer