CVE-2025-13835 is a Stored Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability classified under CWE-79, found in the Arconix Shortcodes plugin developed by Tyche Softwares. This vulnerability exists due to improper neutralization of input during the generation of web pages, which allows malicious input to be stored and later executed in the context of users' browsers. The affected versions include all releases up to 2.1.19. The vulnerability requires an attacker to have low privileges (PR:L) and user interaction (UI:R) to be exploited, but it can affect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected web application due to the stored nature of the XSS. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.5, indicating a medium severity level, with network attack vector (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), and scope change (S:C), meaning the vulnerability can impact resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. No patches or known exploits are currently available, but the risk remains significant given the widespread use of WordPress plugins like Arconix Shortcodes. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of authenticated users, potentially stealing session tokens, defacing websites, or performing actions on behalf of users.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to websites using the Arconix Shortcodes plugin, commonly deployed in WordPress environments. Exploitation could lead to theft of user credentials, session hijacking, unauthorized actions performed on behalf of users, and defacement or disruption of web services. This can damage organizational reputation, lead to data breaches involving personal data protected under GDPR, and cause operational disruptions. E-commerce platforms and service providers relying on WordPress plugins are particularly vulnerable, as attackers could target customers or administrative users. The medium severity score reflects a balance between the ease of exploitation and the potential impact, but the stored nature of the XSS increases risk by affecting multiple users over time. Organizations in Europe must consider the regulatory implications of data breaches resulting from such vulnerabilities, including potential fines and legal consequences.

1. Monitor official channels from Tyche Softwares for patches and apply them immediately once available. 2. Until patches are released, restrict access to the Arconix Shortcodes plugin features to trusted and authenticated users only, minimizing the risk of malicious input submission. 3. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all user inputs that interact with the plugin, using allowlists and context-aware output encoding to prevent script injection. 4. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts in browsers. 5. Regularly audit and monitor web application logs for unusual activities or injection attempts related to the plugin. 6. Educate administrators and content editors about the risks of stored XSS and safe content practices. 7. Consider using Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules tailored to detect and block XSS payloads targeting this plugin. 8. Evaluate the necessity of the plugin and remove or replace it if it is not essential to reduce attack surface.