CVE-2025-14721 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability identified in the Responsive and Swipe Slider plugin for WordPress, maintained by mansoormunib. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 1.0.2. It stems from improper neutralization of input during web page generation (CWE-79), specifically due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping of user-supplied attributes within the plugin's rsSlider shortcode. Authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher can exploit this flaw by injecting arbitrary JavaScript code into pages that utilize the vulnerable shortcode. When other users access these pages, the malicious scripts execute in their browsers, potentially enabling session hijacking, privilege escalation, defacement, or distribution of malware. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.5, reflecting medium severity, with an attack vector of network, low attack complexity, high privileges required, no user interaction, and a scope change. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability's presence in a widely used WordPress plugin makes it a notable risk. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure necessitates immediate mitigation efforts by administrators. The vulnerability's exploitation requires authenticated access, limiting exposure to users with contributor or higher roles, but many WordPress sites allow such roles for content editors or external collaborators, increasing risk. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of affected sites but does not impact availability directly.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-14721 can be significant, especially for those relying on WordPress websites with the Responsive and Swipe Slider plugin installed. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized script execution in the context of the victim's browser, enabling theft of session cookies, user impersonation, and unauthorized actions on behalf of users. This could result in data breaches, defacement of public-facing websites, loss of customer trust, and potential regulatory penalties under GDPR if personal data is compromised. Organizations in sectors such as e-commerce, media, education, and government that use WordPress extensively are at higher risk. The requirement for contributor-level access reduces the risk from anonymous attackers but does not eliminate insider threats or risks from compromised accounts. The medium CVSS score indicates moderate risk, but the potential for chained attacks or further exploitation elevates concern. Additionally, the vulnerability's scope change means that the impact extends beyond the plugin itself to the entire WordPress site environment. Given the widespread use of WordPress in Europe, the threat could affect a broad range of organizations, especially those with less mature patch management or access control policies.

To mitigate CVE-2025-14721, European organizations should take the following specific actions: 1) Immediately audit WordPress installations to identify the presence of the Responsive and Swipe Slider plugin and its version. 2) Restrict contributor-level and higher permissions strictly to trusted users and review user roles to minimize unnecessary privileges. 3) Apply any available patches or updates from the plugin vendor as soon as they are released; if no patch is available, consider temporarily disabling or removing the plugin. 4) Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious shortcode attribute inputs that could contain script payloads. 5) Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts on affected sites. 6) Conduct regular security training for site administrators and content contributors to recognize and avoid unsafe content inputs. 7) Monitor site logs and user activity for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 8) Consider using security plugins that sanitize shortcode inputs or provide additional input validation. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on access control, monitoring, and layered defenses tailored to the plugin's vulnerability.