CVE-2025-13071 is a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability classified under CWE-79, found in the Custom Admin Menu WordPress plugin versions through 1.0.0. The vulnerability occurs because the plugin does not properly sanitize or escape a parameter before outputting it back to the page, allowing an attacker to inject malicious JavaScript code. This reflected XSS can be exploited by tricking high-privilege users, such as administrators, into clicking a crafted URL or visiting a malicious page that includes the injected script. The attacker can then execute arbitrary scripts in the context of the victim’s browser session, potentially stealing session cookies, performing actions on behalf of the admin, or defacing the site. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.1 reflects a high severity due to the network attack vector (no physical or local access needed), low attack complexity, no privileges required, but requiring user interaction. The scope is changed (S:C), indicating that the vulnerability affects resources beyond the vulnerable component itself. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts are all rated low but present, meaning the attacker can gain limited but meaningful control or information. No patches or known exploits are currently reported, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and should be addressed promptly. The plugin’s role in managing admin menus makes this vulnerability particularly sensitive, as administrative functions are critical to site security and operation.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to WordPress sites using the Custom Admin Menu plugin, especially those with administrative users who have elevated privileges. Successful exploitation could lead to session hijacking, unauthorized administrative actions, or theft of sensitive information, potentially resulting in website defacement, data breaches, or disruption of business operations. Given the widespread use of WordPress across Europe for corporate websites, e-commerce platforms, and government portals, the impact could extend to reputational damage and regulatory non-compliance, particularly under GDPR if personal data is compromised. The reflected nature of the XSS means attackers must lure administrators into clicking malicious links, which could be facilitated through phishing campaigns targeting European organizations. The vulnerability’s presence in an administrative plugin increases the risk profile, as compromised admin accounts can lead to full site takeover. Organizations with public-facing WordPress sites that rely on this plugin should consider the threat serious and prioritize remediation to prevent exploitation.

1. Monitor for and apply any official patches or updates released by the Custom Admin Menu plugin developers immediately upon availability. 2. If no patch is available, consider temporarily disabling or removing the plugin to eliminate the attack surface. 3. Implement strict input validation and output encoding within the plugin code if custom modifications are possible, ensuring all user-supplied parameters are sanitized and escaped before rendering. 4. Deploy Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts and reduce the impact of potential XSS attacks. 5. Educate administrative users on the risks of clicking untrusted links and implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to reduce the impact of session hijacking. 6. Regularly audit WordPress plugins for vulnerabilities and maintain an inventory of installed plugins to quickly identify and remediate risks. 7. Employ web application firewalls (WAF) with rules designed to detect and block reflected XSS payloads targeting administrative interfaces. 8. Monitor logs and user activity for signs of suspicious behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts.