CVE-2025-14143 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Ayo Shortcodes plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting all versions up to and including 0.2. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, classified under CWE-79. The flaw exists in the handling of the 'color' parameter within the ayo_action shortcode, where insufficient input sanitization and output escaping allow an authenticated attacker with Contributor-level privileges or higher to inject arbitrary JavaScript code. Because this is a stored XSS, the malicious script is saved in the WordPress database and executes whenever any user accesses the compromised page, potentially affecting administrators, editors, or visitors. The CVSS 3.1 score of 6.4 reflects a medium severity, with an attack vector over the network, low attack complexity, requiring privileges (Contributor or above), no user interaction, and scope change due to the potential impact on other users. The impact includes partial loss of confidentiality and integrity, such as session hijacking, defacement, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of users. Availability is not affected. No public exploits are currently known, but the vulnerability poses a risk to sites using this plugin, especially those with multiple contributors. The lack of patches at the time of publication necessitates immediate mitigation steps to reduce exposure.

For European organizations, this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized script execution on WordPress sites using the Ayo Shortcodes plugin, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing sensitive data, or performing unauthorized actions. Organizations with collaborative content management environments are particularly vulnerable since contributors can exploit the flaw. This could result in reputational damage, data breaches, and regulatory non-compliance under GDPR if personal data is exposed. The medium severity indicates a moderate risk, but the scope of impact can be significant in environments with many users and contributors. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges or conduct phishing campaigns by injecting malicious content. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as the vulnerability is publicly disclosed. European entities relying on WordPress for public-facing websites, intranets, or e-commerce platforms should consider this a relevant threat vector.

1. Immediately audit WordPress sites for the presence of the Ayo Shortcodes plugin and identify versions up to 0.2. 2. Restrict Contributor-level user privileges where possible, limiting the ability to add or modify shortcodes or page content that includes the 'color' parameter. 3. Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious shortcode parameters containing script tags or unusual input patterns. 4. Monitor site content for unexpected script injections or anomalies in pages using the ayo_action shortcode. 5. Encourage users to apply updates or patches from the vendor once available; if no patch exists, consider disabling or removing the plugin temporarily. 6. Educate content contributors about the risks of injecting untrusted input and enforce strict content review processes. 7. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the impact of potential XSS by restricting script sources. 8. Regularly back up site content and configurations to enable rapid recovery if exploitation occurs.