CVE-2025-12457 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability classified under CWE-79, found in the 'Enable SVG, WebP, and ICO Upload' WordPress plugin developed by ideastocode. This vulnerability affects all plugin versions up to and including 1.1.2. The core issue is insufficient sanitization and escaping of SVG files uploaded by users with Author-level or higher privileges. SVG files can contain embedded JavaScript, and due to the plugin's failure to neutralize this input properly, malicious scripts can be stored on the server. When other users or site visitors access pages or content that render these SVG files, the embedded scripts execute in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, privilege escalation, or data theft. The CVSS v3.1 score is 6.4 (medium severity), reflecting a network attack vector with low attack complexity, requiring privileges but no user interaction, and impacting confidentiality and integrity with no effect on availability. The vulnerability's scope is changed (S:C), meaning it can affect resources beyond the initially compromised component. No patches or known exploits are currently available, increasing the urgency for proactive mitigation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for multi-author WordPress sites where SVG uploads are enabled, as attackers with Author-level access can weaponize this flaw to target site administrators or visitors. The plugin's popularity in European markets, combined with widespread WordPress usage, makes this a relevant threat for European organizations relying on this plugin for media uploads.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-12457 can be significant, especially for those operating WordPress sites with multiple content contributors and enabled SVG uploads. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of site visitors or administrators, potentially leading to credential theft, session hijacking, unauthorized actions, or the spread of malware. This undermines the confidentiality and integrity of user data and site content. Although availability is not directly affected, the reputational damage and potential regulatory consequences under GDPR for data breaches could be severe. Organizations in sectors such as e-commerce, media, government, and education, which often use WordPress extensively, may face increased risk. The requirement for Author-level access limits exploitation to insiders or compromised accounts, but this does not eliminate the threat, as phishing or credential theft could facilitate such access. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for mitigation, but the vulnerability's public disclosure increases the risk of future attacks.

1. Immediately restrict SVG file uploads to trusted users only or disable SVG uploads entirely until a patch is available. 2. Implement strict server-side validation and sanitization of SVG files using libraries designed to remove embedded scripts and potentially harmful content. 3. Enforce the principle of least privilege by reviewing and limiting user roles, ensuring only necessary users have Author-level or higher access. 4. Monitor and audit upload activity and user behavior for suspicious actions, especially related to SVG files. 5. Use Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of inline scripts and reduce the impact of XSS attacks. 6. Keep WordPress core, plugins, and themes updated and subscribe to security advisories from the plugin vendor and WordPress security teams. 7. Educate content authors and administrators about the risks of uploading untrusted SVG files and the importance of secure practices. 8. Prepare incident response plans to quickly address potential exploitation scenarios involving XSS attacks.