CVE-2025-11897 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in The7 — Website and eCommerce Builder for WordPress theme, affecting all versions up to and including 12.9.1. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically via the 'the7_fancy_title_css' parameter. Authenticated users with Contributor-level access or higher can exploit this flaw by injecting arbitrary JavaScript code into pages. Because the injected scripts are stored persistently, they execute whenever any user accesses the compromised page, potentially leading to session hijacking, privilege escalation, or unauthorized actions within the context of the victim's browser session. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond visiting the affected page and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.4, indicating medium severity. The attack vector is network-based, with low attack complexity, requiring privileges equivalent to Contributor role, and no user interaction is needed for exploitation. The scope is changed as the vulnerability affects components beyond the attacker’s privileges, impacting other users. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the widespread use of The7 theme in WordPress sites, especially in eCommerce contexts, increases the risk. The lack of available patches at the time of reporting necessitates immediate mitigation steps to reduce exposure.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the confidentiality and integrity of their web applications and user data. Exploitation could lead to theft of user credentials, session tokens, or other sensitive information, enabling further compromise. It may also facilitate unauthorized actions such as content defacement or injection of malicious payloads that damage brand reputation and customer trust. eCommerce sites are particularly vulnerable to financial fraud or disruption of sales processes. The requirement for Contributor-level access means insider threats or compromised lower-privilege accounts can be leveraged to exploit this flaw. Given the extensive use of WordPress and The7 theme across Europe, especially in countries with mature digital economies and large online retail sectors, the potential impact is broad. Additionally, the vulnerability’s ability to affect multiple users through stored XSS increases the attack surface and potential damage. Organizations may face regulatory consequences under GDPR if personal data is exposed or manipulated through such attacks.

European organizations should immediately audit user roles and restrict Contributor-level access to trusted personnel only, minimizing the risk of insider exploitation. Implement Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious payloads targeting the 'the7_fancy_title_css' parameter. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts. Monitor website content for unexpected script injections or anomalies. Since no official patch is currently available, consider temporarily disabling or restricting the affected theme functionality if feasible. Conduct regular security reviews and penetration tests focusing on input validation and output encoding. Educate site administrators and content contributors about the risks of XSS and safe content practices. Plan for prompt application of vendor patches once released and maintain up-to-date backups to enable quick recovery from potential compromises.