CVE-2025-49911 is a reflected Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the wpinstinct WooCommerce Vehicle Parts Finder plugin, affecting all versions up to and including 3.7. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of user-supplied input during the generation of web pages, which allows an attacker to inject malicious JavaScript code into the output. When a victim interacts with a crafted URL or input, the malicious script executes within their browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, theft of sensitive information, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of the user. The vulnerability is exploitable remotely over the network without requiring authentication, but it does require user interaction, such as clicking a malicious link. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.1, reflecting high severity due to the combination of network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, but requiring user interaction, and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk to websites using this plugin, especially given WooCommerce's popularity in online retail. The plugin is commonly used in automotive parts e-commerce sites, which handle customer data and transactions, increasing the potential impact of exploitation. The reflected XSS can be leveraged by attackers to perform phishing, defacement, or redirect users to malicious domains, undermining trust and potentially causing financial and reputational damage. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2025 and published in October 2025, but no official patches or mitigation links are currently available, indicating that users must be vigilant and apply updates promptly once released.

For European organizations, especially those operating e-commerce platforms using WooCommerce and the Vehicle Parts Finder plugin, this vulnerability can lead to significant risks. Exploitation could result in theft of customer credentials, session tokens, or personal data, violating GDPR and other privacy regulations, which could lead to legal penalties and loss of customer trust. The integrity of the website content can be compromised, allowing attackers to inject misleading or malicious content, potentially damaging brand reputation. Availability could also be affected if attackers use the vulnerability to perform denial-of-service attacks or redirect users away from legitimate services. Given the widespread use of WooCommerce in Europe, particularly in automotive parts retail, the threat could impact a large number of small to medium-sized enterprises that may lack robust security controls. The reflected XSS nature means that phishing campaigns could be launched targeting European customers, increasing the risk of broader cybercrime. Additionally, the cross-site scripting vulnerability could be chained with other attacks to escalate privileges or move laterally within networks, amplifying the impact on European businesses.

Organizations should immediately inventory their WooCommerce installations to identify if the Vehicle Parts Finder plugin version 3.7 or earlier is in use. Until an official patch is released, implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block typical XSS attack patterns targeting the plugin's endpoints. Employ strict input validation and output encoding on all user-supplied data, particularly in URL parameters and form inputs related to the plugin. Deploy Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts and reduce the impact of potential XSS attacks. Educate users and administrators about the risks of clicking unknown links and encourage the use of multi-factor authentication to mitigate session hijacking risks. Monitor web server logs for unusual request patterns indicative of attempted exploitation. Once a patch becomes available from wpinstinct, prioritize immediate testing and deployment. Additionally, consider isolating the plugin's functionality or disabling it temporarily if it is not critical to business operations. Regularly update all WordPress plugins and core installations to minimize exposure to known vulnerabilities.