CVE-2025-46262 is a vulnerability classified as CWE-79, indicating an improper neutralization of input during web page generation, commonly known as Cross-site Scripting (XSS). This specific vulnerability affects the Mad Mimi plugin for WordPress, developed by Zack Katz, in versions up to and including 1.5.1. The vulnerability is of the stored XSS type, meaning that malicious scripts injected by an attacker are permanently stored on the target server (e.g., in a database) and then served to users when they access the affected web pages. This can allow attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of the victim's browser session. The CVSS v3.1 score is 6.5, indicating a medium severity level. The vector string (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:L) reveals that the attack can be performed remotely over the network, requires low attack complexity, needs privileges (PR:L) and user interaction (UI:R), and affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability to a limited extent. The scope is changed (S:C), meaning the vulnerability affects resources beyond the security scope of the vulnerable component. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability arises because the plugin does not properly sanitize or encode user input before embedding it into web pages, allowing malicious payloads to be stored and later executed in the browsers of users who view the affected content. This can lead to session hijacking, defacement, phishing, or distribution of malware. Since Mad Mimi is a WordPress plugin used for email marketing and newsletter management, the vulnerability could be exploited to target site administrators or subscribers who access the affected pages or plugin interfaces.

For European organizations using the Mad Mimi WordPress plugin, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the confidentiality and integrity of user data and the availability of their web services. Attackers exploiting this stored XSS could hijack user sessions, steal authentication tokens, or perform actions on behalf of legitimate users, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information or administrative functions. This is particularly concerning for organizations handling personal data under GDPR, as exploitation could result in data breaches and regulatory penalties. Additionally, the injection of malicious scripts could damage the organization's reputation and trustworthiness, especially if customers or partners are affected. The requirement for low privileges and user interaction means that attackers might target less privileged users or trick users into performing actions that trigger the exploit. The changed scope indicates that the impact could extend beyond the plugin itself, potentially affecting other parts of the website or connected systems. Given the widespread use of WordPress in Europe and the popularity of marketing plugins, the threat could affect a broad range of sectors including e-commerce, media, education, and public services.

Organizations should immediately audit their WordPress installations to identify the presence of the Mad Mimi plugin and verify the version in use. Until an official patch is released, it is advisable to disable or remove the plugin to eliminate the attack surface. If disabling is not feasible, applying web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious input patterns related to XSS payloads can provide temporary protection. Administrators should enforce strict input validation and output encoding on any data handled by the plugin, if customization is possible. Additionally, user privileges should be reviewed and minimized to reduce the risk of exploitation by low-privilege users. Educating users about the risks of interacting with untrusted content and implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can help mitigate the impact of potential XSS attacks. Monitoring logs for unusual activity and signs of exploitation attempts is also recommended. Once a patch becomes available, organizations must prioritize its deployment and test the update in a controlled environment before production rollout.