CVE-2025-11818 identifies a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the WP Responsive Meet The Team plugin for WordPress, specifically through the 'wprm_team' shortcode. The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of input (CWE-79), where user-supplied attributes are not adequately sanitized or escaped before being rendered on web pages. This flaw allows authenticated users with contributor-level permissions or higher to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages. Because the injected scripts are stored persistently, they execute every time a user accesses the affected page, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing cookies, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of the user. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond viewing the page, and the attacker must have at least contributor-level access, which is common in collaborative WordPress environments. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.4, reflecting a medium severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, and privileges required. The scope is changed (S:C), indicating that the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. There are no known exploits in the wild, and no official patches have been released at the time of publication. The plugin is widely used in WordPress sites to display team member profiles, making it a relevant target for attackers seeking to leverage stored XSS for further compromise or phishing campaigns.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily to websites using the WP Responsive Meet The Team plugin, especially those that allow contributor-level users to add or modify content. Exploitation can lead to session hijacking, unauthorized actions, or data theft from users who visit the compromised pages. This can damage organizational reputation, lead to data breaches involving personal or customer information, and potentially facilitate further attacks such as privilege escalation or malware distribution. Given the widespread use of WordPress across European SMEs and enterprises, especially in countries with strong digital economies, the impact can be significant if not addressed. The vulnerability's requirement for authenticated access limits exposure but does not eliminate risk, as contributor roles are commonly assigned in collaborative environments. Additionally, the persistent nature of stored XSS increases the window of opportunity for attackers. Regulatory frameworks like GDPR impose strict obligations on data protection, meaning exploitation could also result in compliance violations and fines.

European organizations should implement the following specific mitigations: 1) Immediately audit and restrict contributor-level access to trusted users only, minimizing the number of accounts that can exploit this vulnerability. 2) Monitor and review all content submitted via the 'wprm_team' shortcode for suspicious or unexpected scripts or HTML tags. 3) Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block malicious script injections targeting this shortcode. 4) Disable or remove the WP Responsive Meet The Team plugin if it is not essential, or replace it with a more secure alternative. 5) Stay alert for official patches or updates from the vendor and apply them promptly once available. 6) Educate content contributors about safe content practices and the risks of injecting scripts. 7) Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts on affected sites. 8) Conduct regular security scans focusing on stored XSS vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on access control, monitoring, and layered defenses tailored to this specific plugin and vulnerability.