CVE-2025-49242 is a security vulnerability classified as CWE-79, which pertains to Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, commonly known as Cross-site Scripting (XSS). This vulnerability affects the sevenspark Bellows Accordion Menu plugin, specifically versions up to 1.4.3. The issue allows for Stored XSS attacks, where malicious scripts can be injected and permanently stored within the application, subsequently executed in the context of users who access the affected web pages. The vulnerability arises because the plugin fails to properly sanitize or encode user-supplied input before rendering it on web pages, enabling attackers to inject arbitrary JavaScript code. According to the CVSS 3.1 scoring, the vulnerability has a score of 6.5 (medium severity), with the vector indicating network attack vector (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring privileges (PR:L), user interaction (UI:R), scope changed (S:C), and impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability at a low level (C:L/I:L/A:L). The vulnerability is exploitable remotely over the network but requires an attacker to have some level of privileges and to trick a user into interacting with the malicious payload. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the potential for exploitation exists given the nature of stored XSS attacks, which can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of users. The plugin is commonly used in WordPress environments to create accordion-style menus, and its improper input handling poses risks to websites relying on it for UI components. The vulnerability's scope is significant because it affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of user data and application functionality, especially in multi-user environments where stored XSS can propagate across sessions and users.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be considerable, especially for those using the sevenspark Bellows Accordion Menu plugin on their WordPress websites. Stored XSS can lead to the compromise of user accounts, theft of sensitive information such as personal data protected under GDPR, and unauthorized actions performed on behalf of users, potentially resulting in data breaches and reputational damage. The vulnerability could also be leveraged to distribute malware or conduct phishing attacks targeting European users. Given the strict regulatory environment in Europe regarding data protection and privacy, exploitation of this vulnerability could result in significant legal and financial consequences. Additionally, organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government, which often rely on web applications for service delivery, may face operational disruptions and loss of trust from their clients and citizens. The medium severity rating suggests that while exploitation requires some privileges and user interaction, the potential for damage across confidentiality, integrity, and availability dimensions makes it a risk that should be addressed promptly.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should first identify if they are using the sevenspark Bellows Accordion Menu plugin, particularly versions up to 1.4.3. Immediate steps include: 1) Updating the plugin to the latest version once a patch is released by the vendor, as no patch links are currently available. 2) Implementing Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block XSS attack patterns targeting the affected plugin. 3) Conducting code reviews and applying manual input sanitization and output encoding for any user inputs handled by the plugin if immediate patching is not possible. 4) Employing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts on web pages. 5) Educating users and administrators about the risks of clicking on suspicious links or interacting with untrusted content that could trigger the stored XSS payload. 6) Monitoring web server and application logs for unusual activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. 7) Considering isolating or disabling the plugin temporarily if it is not critical to business operations until a secure version is available. These measures, combined with regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing, will reduce the risk of exploitation and help maintain compliance with European data protection regulations.