CVE-2025-11767 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Tips Shortcode plugin for WordPress, affecting all versions up to and including 0.2.1. The root cause is improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically insufficient sanitization and escaping of user-supplied content submitted via the 'tip' shortcode. Authenticated users with contributor-level permissions or higher can exploit this by injecting arbitrary JavaScript code into pages or posts. When other users access these pages, the malicious scripts execute in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, privilege escalation, or the delivery of further malware. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond viewing the infected page and does not affect availability but impacts confidentiality and integrity. 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, privileges required, no user interaction, and a scope change due to cross-site impact. No public exploits or patches are currently available, increasing the urgency for defensive measures. The vulnerability was reserved in October 2025 and published in November 2025 by Wordfence, indicating recent discovery. This plugin is used in WordPress environments, which are prevalent in many European organizations for content management and web presence.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be significant, especially for those relying on WordPress sites with the Tips Shortcode plugin installed. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information through session hijacking or theft of authentication tokens. Attackers could also manipulate site content, deface pages, or redirect users to malicious sites, damaging organizational reputation and trust. Since the vulnerability requires contributor-level access, insider threats or compromised accounts pose a risk. The scope of affected systems includes any WordPress site using the vulnerable plugin, which may be widespread among SMEs and larger enterprises in Europe. The lack of available patches increases exposure time, and the medium CVSS score reflects a moderate but tangible risk. Given the interconnected nature of European digital infrastructure, successful exploitation could also facilitate lateral movement or further attacks within networks. Regulatory compliance frameworks such as GDPR may impose additional obligations if personal data is compromised through this vulnerability.

European organizations should immediately audit their WordPress installations to identify the presence of the Tips Shortcode plugin and verify its version. Since no official patches are currently available, temporary mitigations include disabling or uninstalling the plugin until a fixed version is released. Restrict contributor-level permissions strictly and review user roles to minimize the number of users with such access. Implement Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious shortcode inputs or script injections. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts on affected sites. Regularly monitor logs for unusual activity related to shortcode usage or page edits. Educate content contributors about the risks of injecting untrusted content. Once a patch is released, prioritize prompt application and test the update in staging environments. Additionally, consider deploying security plugins that provide enhanced input sanitization and output escaping as a defense-in-depth measure.