CVE-2025-2889 identifies a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Link Library plugin for WordPress, developed by jackdewey. This vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 7.7.3. The root cause is insufficient sanitization and escaping of user-supplied input in the 'Link Additional Parameters' field, which is used during web page generation. Authenticated attackers with Contributor-level access or higher can exploit this flaw by injecting arbitrary JavaScript code into pages. Because the malicious script is stored persistently, it executes every time a user accesses the affected page, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing cookies, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of users. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.4, reflecting a medium severity level. The attack vector is network-based, requiring only low complexity, and no user interaction is necessary for exploitation. The scope is changed (S:C), meaning the vulnerability affects resources beyond the attacker’s privileges. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the common use of WordPress and the plugin in question. The lack of available patches at the time of publication necessitates immediate attention from site administrators to apply workarounds or restrict access. This vulnerability falls under CWE-79, which covers improper neutralization of input during web page generation, a common vector for XSS attacks.

The impact of CVE-2025-2889 is primarily on the confidentiality and integrity of affected WordPress sites and their users. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of the victim’s browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, theft of sensitive information such as cookies or credentials, defacement of web content, or unauthorized actions performed with the victim’s privileges. Since the vulnerability requires only Contributor-level access, attackers can leverage compromised or malicious accounts to escalate their impact. The scope change indicates that the attacker can affect users beyond their own privileges, increasing the risk to site administrators and other users. Although availability is not directly impacted, the reputational damage and potential data breaches can have severe consequences for organizations. Given WordPress’s global popularity, especially among small to medium enterprises, blogs, and content-driven websites, a large number of sites could be vulnerable, increasing the attack surface. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as public disclosure may prompt attackers to develop exploits.

To mitigate CVE-2025-2889, organizations should first update the Link Library plugin to a patched version once it becomes available. Until a patch is released, administrators should restrict Contributor-level access to trusted users only, minimizing the risk of malicious script injection. Implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block XSS payloads targeting the 'Link Additional Parameters' field can provide interim protection. Site owners should also audit existing content for suspicious scripts and remove any unauthorized injections. Employing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can help limit the impact of injected scripts by restricting script sources. Additionally, hardening WordPress installations by disabling unnecessary plugins and enforcing the principle of least privilege reduces the attack surface. Regular security monitoring and log analysis can help detect exploitation attempts early. Finally, educating users about the risks associated with elevated privileges and encouraging strong authentication practices will further reduce exposure.