CVE-2025-49306 is a stored Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability classified under CWE-79, affecting the catchsquare WP Social Widget plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, allowing malicious actors to inject and store arbitrary JavaScript code within the widget's data fields. When a user or administrator views the affected widget on a WordPress site, the malicious script executes in their browser context. The vulnerability affects all versions of WP Social Widget up to and including version 2.3. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.5, indicating a medium severity level. The vector string (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 with low attack complexity, requires low privileges, and user interaction is necessary to trigger the payload. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability to a limited extent, as the attacker can execute scripts that may steal session tokens, manipulate content, or cause denial of service. 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. The vulnerability is significant because WordPress is widely used, and plugins like WP Social Widget are common for social media integration, making many websites potentially vulnerable to persistent XSS attacks that can compromise site visitors and administrators.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to websites using WordPress with the WP Social Widget plugin. Exploitation could lead to session hijacking, defacement, or redirection to malicious sites, impacting user trust and potentially leading to data breaches. Organizations in sectors such as e-commerce, government, education, and media that rely on WordPress for their web presence may face reputational damage and regulatory scrutiny under GDPR if personal data is compromised. The stored nature of the XSS means that any user accessing the infected page could be affected, increasing the attack surface. Additionally, since the vulnerability requires low privileges but user interaction, phishing or social engineering could be used to increase exploitation success. The medium severity score suggests moderate impact, but the widespread use of WordPress in Europe amplifies the potential reach of this vulnerability.

Organizations should immediately audit their WordPress installations to identify the presence of the WP Social Widget plugin, especially versions up to 2.3. Until an official patch is released, administrators should consider disabling or removing the plugin to eliminate exposure. Implementing Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block common XSS payloads can provide interim protection. Input validation and output encoding should be enforced at the application level if custom modifications are possible. Monitoring web logs for unusual script injections or user reports of suspicious behavior can help detect exploitation attempts. Additionally, educating users and administrators about the risks of clicking on untrusted links or interacting with suspicious content can reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation. Once a patch is available, prompt application of updates is critical. Regular security assessments and plugin inventory management should be part of ongoing security hygiene to prevent similar risks.