CVE-2025-3472 is a code injection vulnerability classified under CWE-94, affecting the Ocean Extra plugin for WordPress, specifically all versions up to and including 2.4.6. The vulnerability arises from improper validation of user input before invoking the WordPress function do_shortcode. This function processes shortcodes, which are snippets of code embedded in WordPress content to execute specific functions. Due to insufficient input validation, unauthenticated attackers can inject and execute arbitrary shortcodes if the WooCommerce plugin is also installed and activated on the same WordPress instance. This combination is critical because WooCommerce shortcodes can perform a wide range of actions, including database queries and content manipulation, potentially allowing attackers to execute malicious code or commands within the context of the web server. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, increasing its risk profile. While no known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date (April 22, 2025), the presence of this vulnerability in a widely used WordPress plugin and its potential for arbitrary code execution make it a significant security concern. The lack of an available patch at the time of reporting further exacerbates the risk for affected sites.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be substantial, especially for those relying on WordPress websites with the Ocean Extra plugin and WooCommerce for e-commerce operations. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, enabling attackers to compromise website integrity, steal sensitive customer data, manipulate transaction records, or deploy malware. This can result in financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory non-compliance, particularly under the GDPR framework, which mandates strict data protection measures. Additionally, compromised e-commerce platforms could serve as entry points for broader network intrusions or be used to distribute malicious payloads to customers. The vulnerability's ability to be exploited without authentication and user interaction increases the likelihood of automated attacks, such as mass scanning and exploitation campaigns targeting vulnerable European e-commerce sites. Given the critical role of online commerce in many European economies, the disruption or compromise of these platforms could have cascading effects on business continuity and consumer trust.

Immediate mitigation steps include disabling the Ocean Extra plugin or deactivating WooCommerce if it is not essential, to break the dependency that enables exploitation. Website administrators should monitor for updates from the OceanWP development team and apply patches as soon as they become available. In the interim, implementing Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious shortcode execution patterns can reduce exposure. Restricting access to the WordPress admin and content submission interfaces through IP whitelisting or multi-factor authentication can limit attack vectors. Regularly auditing installed plugins and themes for vulnerabilities and minimizing the use of unnecessary plugins reduces the attack surface. Additionally, maintaining comprehensive backups and testing restoration procedures will help recover quickly if exploitation occurs. Security teams should also monitor web server logs for unusual shortcode execution attempts and anomalous traffic patterns indicative of exploitation attempts.