The Precise Columns plugin for WordPress, developed by simonpedge, suffers from a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-11869. This vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically through the wrap_id shortcode attribute. The plugin fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before embedding it into the HTML output. As a result, authenticated users with contributor-level access or higher can inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages or posts. When other users visit these pages, the malicious scripts execute in their browsers, potentially compromising session tokens, redirecting users, or performing actions on their behalf. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 1.0 of the plugin. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.4, reflecting a medium severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, requiring privileges but no user interaction, and impacting confidentiality and integrity with a scope change. No patches or fixes have been released at the time of publication, and no active exploitation has been reported. The vulnerability highlights the risk of insufficient input validation in WordPress plugins, especially those that allow shortcode attributes to influence page content. Since contributors can inject scripts, the threat is significant in environments with multiple content editors or contributors. The stored nature of the XSS means the malicious payload persists in the database and affects all users viewing the infected content. This can lead to widespread impact within affected sites.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily to websites running WordPress with the Precise Columns plugin installed. The ability for contributors to inject persistent scripts can lead to session hijacking, unauthorized actions, defacement, or distribution of malware to site visitors. This can damage organizational reputation, lead to data breaches involving user credentials or personal data, and potentially violate GDPR requirements concerning data protection and breach notification. Organizations with collaborative content management workflows involving multiple contributors are particularly vulnerable. The impact extends beyond the initial site to any users who access the compromised pages, increasing the attack surface. Additionally, attackers could leverage this vulnerability as a foothold for further attacks within the network if administrative users are targeted. Given the medium CVSS score and the requirement for contributor privileges, the threat is significant but not critical. However, the lack of patches increases exposure time. European sectors such as media, education, and government that rely heavily on WordPress for content management may face operational disruptions and reputational harm if exploited.

1. Immediately audit WordPress sites to identify installations of the Precise Columns plugin and determine the version in use. 2. Restrict contributor-level access to trusted users only, minimizing the risk of malicious shortcode injection. 3. Implement strict content review and approval workflows to detect and remove suspicious shortcode attributes or injected scripts before publication. 4. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious payloads targeting the wrap_id attribute. 5. Monitor site logs and user activity for unusual shortcode usage or content modifications. 6. Disable or remove the Precise Columns plugin if not essential until a security patch is released. 7. Once a patch or update is available from the vendor, apply it promptly and verify the fix. 8. Educate content contributors about the risks of injecting untrusted code and enforce secure content creation policies. 9. Use security plugins that sanitize shortcode inputs or enforce output escaping to reduce XSS risks. 10. Regularly back up website data to enable recovery in case of compromise.