CVE-2025-2635 is a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability classified under CWE-79, found in the Digital License Manager plugin for WordPress developed by codeverve. The vulnerability exists because the plugin uses the WordPress function remove_query_arg() to manipulate URL query parameters without properly escaping or sanitizing user-supplied input. This improper neutralization allows attackers to craft malicious URLs containing executable JavaScript code. When a victim clicks such a URL, the injected script executes in their browser within the context of the vulnerable website, potentially enabling session hijacking, credential theft, or other malicious activities. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 1.7.3. It requires no authentication but does require user interaction (clicking a malicious link). The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.1, reflecting medium severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction required, and scope changed due to potential impact beyond the vulnerable component. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and should be addressed promptly. The lack of available patches at the time of disclosure means users must implement interim mitigations such as input validation and output encoding on affected parameters. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for websites that handle sensitive user data or perform digital licensing functions, as exploitation could lead to unauthorized actions or data exposure.

The impact of CVE-2025-2635 on organizations worldwide includes potential compromise of user sessions, theft of sensitive information such as credentials or personal data, and unauthorized actions performed on behalf of users. Since the vulnerability allows script injection in the context of the vulnerable website, attackers could perform actions like cookie theft, redirect users to malicious sites, or manipulate webpage content to conduct phishing attacks. This can erode user trust, damage brand reputation, and potentially lead to regulatory penalties if personal data is compromised. The vulnerability affects all users of the Digital License Manager plugin on WordPress, which is commonly used for managing software licenses and digital product distribution. Organizations relying on this plugin for license management or e-commerce may face operational disruptions or financial losses if exploited. Although no known exploits are currently in the wild, the ease of exploitation and the widespread use of WordPress increase the risk of future attacks. The requirement for user interaction limits automated exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in phishing-prone environments.

To mitigate CVE-2025-2635, organizations should: 1) Monitor the vendor’s communications closely and apply official patches or updates as soon as they become available. 2) Until patches are released, implement strict input validation and output encoding on all URL parameters processed by the Digital License Manager plugin to prevent script injection. 3) Use Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules specifically designed to detect and block reflected XSS payloads targeting the affected plugin. 4) Educate users and administrators about the risks of clicking unsolicited or suspicious links, especially those purporting to relate to license management or software updates. 5) Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on web application vulnerabilities, including reflected XSS. 6) Consider temporarily disabling or replacing the Digital License Manager plugin if immediate patching is not possible and the risk is deemed unacceptable. 7) Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts in the browser context, reducing the impact of potential XSS attacks.