CVE-2025-11995 identifies a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Community Events plugin for WordPress, developed by jackdewey. The flaw exists in all versions up to and including 1.5.2 and stems from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically within the event details parameter. Because the plugin fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied input and escape output, an attacker can inject arbitrary JavaScript code that is stored persistently on the server. When any user accesses the affected event page, the malicious script executes in their browser context. This vulnerability is exploitable remotely over the network without any authentication or user interaction, increasing its risk profile. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.2, reflecting high severity with a vector of AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N, indicating network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction required, and a scope change that can impact multiple users. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the vulnerability's nature makes it a prime target for attackers seeking to steal session cookies, deface websites, or perform phishing attacks by injecting malicious scripts into trusted web pages. The plugin is commonly used by organizations to manage community events on WordPress sites, making it a critical component in many web infrastructures. The vulnerability's persistence and ability to affect multiple users simultaneously increase its potential impact.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses significant risks to confidentiality and integrity of user data and website content. Attackers can hijack user sessions, steal credentials, or manipulate displayed content, leading to reputational damage and potential regulatory penalties under GDPR if personal data is compromised. The vulnerability affects websites that rely on the Community Events plugin, which is popular among community organizations, local governments, and event management entities across Europe. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to user accounts, injection of phishing content, or spreading malware through trusted websites. The lack of authentication requirements means any remote attacker can exploit the flaw, increasing the attack surface. Additionally, the scope change in the CVSS vector indicates that a successful attack can impact multiple users beyond the initially targeted victim, amplifying potential damage. This is particularly concerning for organizations hosting large public-facing event sites with high user traffic. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the vulnerability's characteristics suggest it could be weaponized rapidly once exploit code becomes available.

European organizations should immediately audit their WordPress installations to identify the presence of the Community Events plugin and its version. Until an official patch is released, administrators should consider disabling the plugin or restricting access to event creation and editing functionalities to trusted users only. Implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block typical XSS payloads targeting the event details parameter can provide interim protection. Additionally, applying manual input validation and output encoding on event details fields, if feasible, can reduce risk. Organizations should monitor security advisories from the plugin developer and WordPress security teams for patches and apply them promptly once available. Regular security scanning and penetration testing focused on XSS vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins are recommended to detect similar issues early. User education on recognizing suspicious website behavior and phishing attempts can also mitigate the impact of successful exploitation. Finally, logging and monitoring web server and application logs for unusual input patterns or errors related to the plugin can help detect attempted attacks.