CVE-2025-15283 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability classified under CWE-79, affecting the Name Directory plugin for WordPress developed by jeroenpeters1986. The vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 1.30.3 due to insufficient sanitization and escaping of user-supplied input in the 'name_directory_name' and 'name_directory_description' parameters. An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this flaw by injecting arbitrary JavaScript code into the plugin's pages, which is then stored and executed in the context of any user who visits the affected page. This can lead to theft of session cookies, redirection to malicious sites, or execution of unauthorized actions on behalf of the victim. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.2, reflecting its high severity, with an attack vector of network (remote), low attack complexity, no privileges required, and no user interaction needed. The scope is changed (S:C), indicating that the vulnerability affects resources beyond the initially vulnerable component, potentially impacting the entire WordPress site. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the risk remains significant due to the widespread use of WordPress and the plugin. The lack of a patch link suggests that a fix is pending or not yet publicly released, emphasizing the need for immediate attention from site administrators. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper input validation and output encoding in web applications to prevent injection attacks that compromise confidentiality and integrity.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-15283 can be substantial, especially for those operating public-facing WordPress sites utilizing the Name Directory plugin. Successful exploitation can lead to session hijacking, allowing attackers to impersonate legitimate users, including administrators, potentially resulting in unauthorized access to sensitive data or site control. It can also facilitate phishing attacks by injecting malicious scripts that redirect users to fraudulent sites or capture credentials. The integrity of the website content can be compromised, damaging organizational reputation and trust. While availability is not directly impacted, the indirect consequences of exploitation, such as site defacement or blacklisting by search engines, can disrupt business operations. Given the plugin’s role in managing directory information, organizations relying on it for employee or customer listings may face data leakage or manipulation. The vulnerability’s ease of exploitation without authentication increases the risk of widespread attacks, particularly targeting sectors with high online presence like e-commerce, education, and government services in Europe.

Organizations should immediately audit their WordPress installations to identify the use of the Name Directory plugin and its version. Until an official patch is released, implement the following mitigations: 1) Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block malicious payloads targeting the vulnerable parameters. 2) Apply manual input validation and output encoding in the plugin code if feasible, sanitizing 'name_directory_name' and 'name_directory_description' fields to neutralize script tags and event handlers. 3) Restrict permissions on who can submit or edit directory entries to trusted users only, reducing exposure. 4) Monitor web server and application logs for suspicious activity indicative of exploitation attempts. 5) Educate site administrators and users about the risks of XSS and encourage cautious handling of unexpected site behavior. 6) Once a vendor patch is available, prioritize immediate update and verify the fix. 7) Consider temporary removal or disabling of the plugin if the risk outweighs its utility. 8) Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts on affected pages.