CVE-2025-10737 identifies a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Open Source Genesis Framework, a widely used WordPress theme developed by StudioPress. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of user-supplied input within the theme's shortcode attributes, specifically due to insufficient sanitization and escaping mechanisms. This flaw allows authenticated users with contributor-level permissions or higher to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages generated by the theme. When other users access these pages, the injected scripts execute in their browsers, potentially compromising session tokens, redirecting users to malicious sites, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of the victim. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 3.6.0. The CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N) indicates network attack vector, low attack complexity, requiring privileges but no user interaction, with a scope change and low confidentiality and integrity impacts but no availability impact. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the vulnerability's nature and the popularity of the Genesis Framework make it a significant risk. The vulnerability was reserved in September 2025 and published in October 2025. Since the flaw requires authenticated access, attackers must have contributor or higher roles, which are common in collaborative content environments. The lack of output escaping in shortcode attributes is a critical coding oversight that allows persistent script injection, which can be leveraged for various malicious activities including session hijacking and defacement.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily to websites and intranet portals built on WordPress using the Genesis Framework. The ability for authenticated contributors to inject persistent scripts can lead to unauthorized data access, session hijacking, and potential lateral movement within web applications. This is particularly impactful for organizations with multiple content editors or contributors, such as media companies, educational institutions, and government agencies, where contributor roles are common. The scope change in the CVSS vector indicates that the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the initially compromised component, potentially impacting other users and systems interacting with the affected web pages. While the vulnerability does not directly affect availability, the integrity and confidentiality of user data and sessions can be compromised, leading to reputational damage, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR), and potential financial losses. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits rapidly once details become public. Organizations relying on this theme should consider the risk of targeted attacks, especially in sectors with high-value data or critical public-facing services.

1. Monitor StudioPress and WordPress security advisories closely and apply official patches or updates to the Genesis Framework as soon as they become available. 2. Until patches are released, restrict contributor-level access to trusted users only and review existing contributor permissions to minimize exposure. 3. Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules that detect and block suspicious shortcode attribute inputs containing script tags or JavaScript event handlers. 4. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of inline scripts and reduce the impact of potential XSS payloads. 5. Conduct regular security audits and code reviews of custom shortcodes or theme modifications to ensure proper input validation and output escaping. 6. Educate content contributors about the risks of injecting untrusted content and enforce strict content submission guidelines. 7. Use security plugins that can detect and sanitize malicious inputs in WordPress environments. 8. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users with contributor or higher privileges to reduce the risk of compromised accounts being used to exploit this vulnerability.