CVE-2025-49068 is a stored Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability classified under CWE-79, affecting the Ocean Extra plugin for the OceanWP WordPress theme. The vulnerability arises due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, allowing malicious actors to inject and store arbitrary scripts within the plugin's data handling processes. When a victim accesses a compromised page, the malicious script executes in their browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of the user. The vulnerability affects Ocean Extra versions up to 2.4.8, with no specific lower bound version identified. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.5 (medium severity), indicating a network exploitable vulnerability with low attack complexity, requiring privileges and user interaction, and impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability to a limited extent. The scope is changed, meaning the vulnerability affects components beyond the initially vulnerable module. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. Stored XSS vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in WordPress plugins due to their widespread use and the potential for persistent malicious code affecting multiple users and administrators.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially to those relying on WordPress sites using the OceanWP theme with the Ocean Extra plugin. Stored XSS can lead to compromise of user accounts, including administrative users, resulting in unauthorized access to sensitive data, defacement of websites, or use of the site as a vector for further attacks such as phishing or malware distribution. Given the popularity of WordPress in Europe for corporate, governmental, and e-commerce websites, exploitation could disrupt business operations, damage reputation, and lead to regulatory non-compliance under GDPR if personal data is exposed. The requirement for low privileges and user interaction means attackers might leverage social engineering or compromised accounts to trigger the exploit. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, while rated low individually, collectively can cause moderate disruption and data leakage, which is critical for sectors like finance, healthcare, and public administration in Europe.

European organizations should immediately audit their WordPress installations to identify the use of Ocean Extra plugin and verify the version in use. Until an official patch is released, administrators should consider disabling or removing the Ocean Extra plugin to eliminate the attack surface. Implementing Web Application Firewalls (WAF) with custom rules to detect and block typical XSS payloads targeting this plugin can provide interim protection. Regularly scanning websites for malicious scripts and unusual behavior is advised. Additionally, enforcing strict Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can mitigate the impact of XSS by restricting script execution sources. Organizations should also review user privileges to minimize the number of users with plugin editing capabilities and educate users on phishing and social engineering risks to reduce the likelihood of triggering the vulnerability. Monitoring vendor updates and applying patches promptly once available is critical. Backup strategies should be reviewed to ensure quick recovery in case of compromise.