CVE-2025-13840 is a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability in the Bukazu Search widget WordPress plugin. It occurs due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically in the 'shortcode' parameter of the 'bukazu_search' shortcode. Authenticated users with Contributor or higher privileges can inject arbitrary scripts that execute in the context of other users viewing the injected page. This vulnerability affects all versions up to 3.3.2 and results from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping of user-supplied shortcode attributes.

Successful exploitation allows authenticated users with Contributor-level access or above to inject and execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of other users visiting the affected pages. This can lead to theft of user credentials, session hijacking, or other malicious actions limited to the privileges of the victim user. The vulnerability does not impact availability and has a medium severity rating (CVSS 6.4). There are no reports of active exploitation in the wild.

Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict Contributor-level access to trusted users only and consider disabling or removing the Bukazu Search widget plugin if possible. Monitor for updates from the vendor and apply patches promptly once released.