CVE-2025-11768 identifies a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Islamic Phrases WordPress plugin developed by darto. This vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically within the 'phrases' shortcode attribute. The plugin fails to adequately sanitize or escape user-supplied input, allowing authenticated users with contributor-level or higher access to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages. Because the malicious script is stored persistently, it executes in the context of any user who views the infected page, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of the victim. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 2.12.2015. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.4, reflecting a medium severity level, with an attack vector of network, low attack complexity, requiring privileges but no user interaction, and impacting confidentiality and integrity with a scope change. No patches or known exploits are currently documented, but the vulnerability's presence in a widely used CMS plugin underscores the risk. The flaw is categorized under CWE-79, a common and dangerous web application security issue. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed in November 2025, with the Wordfence team as the assigner. Given WordPress's extensive deployment, especially in community and religious organization websites, this vulnerability poses a tangible threat to affected installations.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-11768 can be significant, particularly for those operating WordPress sites that use the Islamic Phrases plugin. Exploitation allows attackers with contributor-level access to inject malicious scripts that execute in the browsers of site visitors, potentially leading to session hijacking, theft of sensitive user data, or unauthorized actions performed under the victim's credentials. This compromises confidentiality and integrity of user information and site content. Although availability is not directly affected, the reputational damage and potential data breaches can have legal and regulatory consequences under GDPR. Organizations with community, religious, or cultural websites that rely on this plugin are at heightened risk. The requirement for contributor-level privileges means that insider threats or compromised accounts can be leveraged to exploit this vulnerability. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers may develop exploits once the vulnerability is publicized. The medium severity rating suggests that while the vulnerability is not critical, it remains a serious concern for affected entities.

1. Immediately audit user roles and permissions on WordPress sites to ensure that contributor-level access is granted only to trusted users. 2. Temporarily restrict or disable the Islamic Phrases plugin until a security patch or update is released by the vendor. 3. Implement strict input validation and output escaping for all shortcode attributes, especially 'phrases', to prevent injection of malicious scripts. 4. Monitor site content and shortcode usage for unusual or suspicious entries that may indicate exploitation attempts. 5. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules targeting XSS payloads to provide an additional layer of defense. 6. Educate site administrators and contributors about the risks of XSS and safe content management practices. 7. Once a patch is available, promptly update the plugin to the fixed version. 8. Consider alternative plugins with better security track records if timely patching is not feasible. 9. Regularly back up site data to enable recovery in case of compromise. 10. Review and enhance logging and alerting mechanisms to detect potential exploitation activities early.