CVE-2025-12885 is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the 'Embed Any Document – Embed PDF, Word, PowerPoint and Excel Files' WordPress plugin developed by awsmin. The vulnerability exists due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically in the sanitize_pdf_src function, which uses a regex that can be bypassed. This insufficiency allows authenticated users with Contributor-level privileges or higher to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages where documents are embedded. Because the malicious script is stored persistently, it executes every time a user accesses the affected page, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing cookies, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of the user. The vulnerability affects all plugin versions up to and including 2.7.10. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.4, reflecting a medium severity level, with the vector indicating network attack vector, low attack complexity, privileges required at the low level, no user interaction needed, and a scope change. The impact includes partial confidentiality and integrity loss but no availability impact. No patches or exploit code are currently publicly available, and no known exploitation in the wild has been reported. The vulnerability is significant because Contributor-level users are common in WordPress environments, and the plugin is widely used to embed various document types, increasing the attack surface. This vulnerability underscores the importance of rigorous input validation and output escaping in web applications, especially those handling user-generated content.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to websites and intranet portals using the affected WordPress plugin to embed documents. Attackers with Contributor-level access can inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, unauthorized actions, or defacement. This can result in data breaches, loss of user trust, reputational damage, and compliance violations under GDPR if personal data is compromised. Since many European companies rely on WordPress for content management and collaboration, especially in sectors like media, education, and government, the impact can be widespread. The vulnerability does not affect availability but compromises confidentiality and integrity, which can disrupt business operations and lead to financial losses. The requirement for authenticated access limits exploitation to insiders or compromised accounts, but this is a common threat vector. The lack of known exploits suggests a window for proactive mitigation before widespread abuse occurs.

European organizations should immediately audit their WordPress installations to identify the presence of the 'Embed Any Document – Embed PDF, Word, PowerPoint and Excel Files' plugin and verify the version in use. Until an official patch is released, administrators should restrict Contributor-level permissions to trusted users only and consider temporarily disabling the plugin or restricting document embedding capabilities. Implementing additional input validation and output escaping at the application or web server level can help mitigate injection risks. Monitoring web logs for unusual script injections or anomalous user behavior is advised. Organizations should also educate contributors about the risks of uploading untrusted documents or content. Once a vendor patch is available, prompt updating is critical. Employing web application firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious payloads targeting this vulnerability can provide interim protection. Regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on plugin vulnerabilities should be integrated into security programs.