CVE-2025-49908 identifies a stored Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the WPClever WPC Countdown Timer plugin for WooCommerce, specifically in versions up to and including 3.1.4. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of user-supplied input during the generation of web pages, which allows an attacker to inject malicious scripts that are stored and later executed in the context of users visiting the affected site. This stored XSS can be exploited by an attacker with low privileges (PR:L) but requires user interaction (UI:R), such as a victim clicking a crafted link or viewing a manipulated page. The scope is classified as changed (S:C), meaning the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the initially vulnerable component, potentially impacting the entire web application. The CVSS vector indicates network attack vector (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), partial impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:L/I:L/A:L). The vulnerability affects WooCommerce sites using the WPC Countdown Timer plugin, a popular tool to create urgency in e-commerce by displaying countdown timers. Exploitation could lead to session hijacking, defacement, or redirection to malicious sites, impacting user trust and business operations. No known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, but the presence of stored XSS in a widely used e-commerce plugin represents a significant risk if left unpatched.

For European organizations, especially those operating e-commerce platforms using WooCommerce with the WPC Countdown Timer plugin, this vulnerability poses risks including theft of user credentials, session hijacking, and unauthorized actions performed on behalf of users. The partial compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability can lead to data breaches, loss of customer trust, and potential regulatory penalties under GDPR if personal data is exposed. The requirement for low privileges and user interaction lowers the barrier for exploitation, increasing the likelihood of targeted attacks. Given the widespread use of WooCommerce in Europe, particularly in countries with mature e-commerce markets, the impact can be significant for retail, hospitality, and other sectors relying on online sales. Additionally, reputational damage and operational disruptions could arise from successful exploitation, affecting business continuity and customer retention.

1. Monitor WPClever’s official channels for security patches addressing CVE-2025-49908 and apply updates immediately upon release. 2. In the interim, restrict plugin usage to trusted administrators and limit user roles that can input data into the countdown timer fields. 3. Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block common XSS payloads targeting the affected plugin endpoints. 4. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to reduce the impact of potential XSS by restricting script execution sources. 5. Conduct regular security audits and code reviews focusing on input validation and output encoding in custom WooCommerce plugins and themes. 6. Educate administrators and users about phishing and social engineering tactics that could facilitate user interaction required for exploitation. 7. Consider disabling or replacing the plugin with alternatives that have a stronger security track record until a patch is available.