CVE-2025-12077 is a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the WP to LinkedIn Auto Publish plugin for WordPress, affecting all versions up to and including 1.9.8. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically insufficient sanitization and escaping of data passed via the PostMessage API. This flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to craft malicious URLs that, when clicked by a victim, cause arbitrary JavaScript code to execute in the context of the victim's browser session. The attack vector requires user interaction (clicking a link), but no authentication or elevated privileges are needed, increasing the attack surface. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality and integrity by potentially enabling theft of session cookies, user credentials, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of the user. The CVSS v3.1 score is 6.1, reflecting medium severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction required, and scope changed due to potential impact beyond the vulnerable component. No patches or known exploits are currently available, but the risk is significant for websites using this plugin to automate LinkedIn publishing. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79, indicating improper input neutralization leading to XSS. The PostMessage mechanism is commonly used for cross-origin communication, and improper handling here can expose users to script injection attacks. This vulnerability highlights the importance of rigorous input validation and output encoding in web applications, especially plugins that interact with external platforms like LinkedIn.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to public-facing WordPress websites that use the WP to LinkedIn Auto Publish plugin to automate content sharing on LinkedIn. Successful exploitation could lead to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed in the context of the victim user, potentially compromising sensitive corporate or personal data. This can damage organizational reputation, lead to data breaches, and facilitate further attacks such as phishing or lateral movement within networks. Given the widespread use of WordPress and LinkedIn in Europe, especially among SMEs and enterprises leveraging social media for marketing and recruitment, the impact could be significant. The vulnerability’s requirement for user interaction means targeted phishing campaigns could be effective, increasing risk for employees and customers. Additionally, compromised accounts or sessions could be used to spread misinformation or malicious content, affecting brand trust. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the medium severity and ease of exploitation suggest that attackers may develop exploits, especially in the absence of timely patches. Organizations failing to address this vulnerability may face regulatory scrutiny under GDPR if personal data is compromised.

1. Monitor the WP to LinkedIn Auto Publish plugin vendor announcements and update the plugin immediately once a security patch is released. 2. Until a patch is available, consider disabling the plugin or removing it from critical WordPress installations to eliminate the attack surface. 3. Implement strict Content Security Policies (CSP) on affected websites to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts and mitigate the impact of XSS attacks. 4. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules targeting reflected XSS patterns, especially those involving PostMessage parameters. 5. Educate users and employees about the risks of clicking unsolicited or suspicious links, emphasizing phishing awareness. 6. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focusing on third-party plugins and their integration points. 7. Use security plugins that provide input sanitization and output encoding enhancements for WordPress. 8. Monitor logs for unusual activity or repeated attempts to exploit reflected XSS vulnerabilities. 9. Limit the privileges of users interacting with the affected plugin to reduce potential damage from compromised sessions. 10. Consider isolating or sandboxing the WordPress environment to contain potential exploitation impacts.