CVE-2025-12976 is a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability identified in the WordPress plugin 'Events Manager – Calendar, Bookings, Tickets, and more!' This plugin is widely used to manage events, bookings, and ticketing on WordPress websites. The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of input during web page generation (CWE-79), specifically in the 'events_list_grouped' shortcode. The plugin fails to adequately sanitize and escape user-supplied attributes, allowing authenticated users with contributor-level access or higher to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages. Because the malicious script is stored persistently, it executes every time any user accesses the infected page, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing cookies, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of users. The vulnerability requires authentication but no user interaction to trigger. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.4, reflecting a medium severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, and privileges required at the contributor level. The scope is changed, indicating that the vulnerability affects resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. No public exploits are currently known, but the risk remains significant due to the ease of exploitation by authenticated users. The vulnerability affects all plugin versions up to and including 7.2.2.1. No official patches were listed at the time of publication, so mitigation relies on access control and monitoring until a fix is available.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to websites using the affected WordPress plugin for event management. Exploitation can lead to session hijacking, unauthorized actions performed in the context of legitimate users, and potential privilege escalation if administrative users are targeted. This can result in data leakage, defacement, or further compromise of the web infrastructure. Organizations that rely on contributor-level users for content management are particularly vulnerable, as these users can inject malicious scripts without needing administrative privileges. The impact extends to customer trust, brand reputation, and compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR if personal data is compromised. Given the widespread use of WordPress and event management plugins in Europe, especially in sectors like education, entertainment, and public services, the threat is significant. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for targeted attacks.

1. Monitor for plugin updates from netweblogic and apply patches immediately once available. 2. Restrict contributor-level user privileges to only trusted personnel and review user roles regularly. 3. Implement a web application firewall (WAF) with robust XSS filtering capabilities to detect and block malicious script injections. 4. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts on affected sites. 5. Conduct regular security audits and code reviews of custom shortcodes or plugin configurations. 6. Educate content contributors about safe input practices and the risks of injecting untrusted content. 7. Consider temporarily disabling or replacing the vulnerable shortcode 'events_list_grouped' if feasible until a patch is released. 8. Monitor web server and application logs for suspicious activity related to shortcode usage or script injections.