CVE-2025-11820 is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Graphina – Charts and Graphs plugin for Elementor, a popular WordPress plugin used to create interactive charts and graphs. The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of input during web page generation (CWE-79), specifically due to insufficient sanitization and escaping of user-supplied data embedded in data attributes of multiple chart widgets. Authenticated attackers with Contributor-level access or higher can exploit this by injecting arbitrary JavaScript code into chart widgets such as Area Chart, Line Chart, Column Chart, Donut Chart, Heatmap Chart, Radar Chart, Polar Chart, Pie Chart, Radial Chart, and Advanced Data Table. When any user visits a page containing the injected chart, the malicious script executes in their browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, theft of cookies or credentials, defacement, or pivoting to further attacks within the site or network. The vulnerability affects all plugin versions up to and including 3.1.8. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.4, indicating medium severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, requiring privileges (Contributor or higher), no user interaction, and scope change due to impact on other users. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability's presence in a widely used WordPress plugin makes it a significant concern. The root cause is the lack of proper input validation and output encoding on data attributes used in chart rendering, which allows stored malicious scripts to persist in the database and execute on page load. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in WordPress plugin development, especially for plugins handling user-generated content or dynamic data visualization.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-11820 can be significant, particularly for those relying on WordPress websites with multiple content contributors. Exploitation can lead to unauthorized script execution in users' browsers, resulting in session hijacking, credential theft, unauthorized actions performed on behalf of users, and potential defacement or misinformation via manipulated charts. This can damage organizational reputation, lead to data breaches, and cause compliance violations under GDPR if personal data is compromised. Since the vulnerability requires Contributor-level access, insider threats or compromised contributor accounts increase risk. The broad range of affected chart widgets means many visual data presentations could be vectors for attack, impacting marketing sites, dashboards, and client-facing portals. The medium CVSS score reflects moderate risk, but the scope of affected systems and potential for lateral movement within the site elevates concern. European organizations with high web presence and collaborative content management are particularly vulnerable, as attackers could leverage this to target employees or customers. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation before widespread abuse occurs.

1. Monitor for and apply official patches or updates from iqonicdesign as soon as they are released to address this vulnerability. 2. Until patches are available, restrict Contributor-level access strictly to trusted users and review user roles to minimize unnecessary privileges. 3. Implement additional input validation and output encoding on all user-supplied data, especially in chart widget data attributes, either via custom code or security plugins that enforce sanitization. 4. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts on affected sites. 5. Conduct regular security audits and code reviews of WordPress plugins and themes to detect similar input handling issues. 6. Educate content contributors about phishing and social engineering risks to reduce account compromise likelihood. 7. Use web application firewalls (WAFs) configured to detect and block common XSS attack patterns targeting WordPress plugins. 8. Monitor logs and user activity for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 9. Consider isolating critical dashboards or data visualization pages to reduce exposure. 10. Backup website data regularly to enable quick recovery in case of defacement or compromise.