CVE-2025-49945 is a reflected Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the kylegetson Shortcode Generator plugin, a tool used to generate shortcodes for content management systems, likely WordPress. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of user-supplied input during the generation of web pages, allowing attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that is reflected back to users without adequate sanitization. This flaw affects all versions up to and including 1.1. The vulnerability is exploitable remotely over the network without requiring authentication, but it requires user interaction, such as clicking a maliciously crafted URL. The CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.1 reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as the injected scripts can hijack user sessions, steal cookies, manipulate page content, or redirect users to malicious sites. The scope is changed (S:C) because the vulnerability affects resources beyond the vulnerable component, potentially impacting the entire web application. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk to websites using this plugin, especially those with high traffic or sensitive user data. The lack of available patches at the time of publication necessitates immediate attention to mitigation strategies. The reflected nature of the XSS means that attackers must lure victims into clicking crafted links, making social engineering a likely vector. This vulnerability is particularly relevant for European organizations relying on WordPress-based websites that incorporate the Shortcode Generator plugin for content management and dynamic page generation.

For European organizations, this vulnerability can lead to significant security breaches including session hijacking, theft of sensitive user data, unauthorized actions performed on behalf of users, and defacement or redirection of websites. Organizations in sectors such as e-commerce, finance, healthcare, and government that use the affected plugin risk exposure of confidential information and damage to their reputation. The reflected XSS can be leveraged in phishing campaigns targeting employees or customers, increasing the likelihood of successful attacks. Additionally, the compromise of web portals can lead to broader network infiltration if attackers use stolen credentials or session tokens. The impact on availability, though less direct, can occur through malicious script execution that disrupts normal website functionality or causes denial of service. Given the widespread use of WordPress and its plugins in Europe, the potential attack surface is substantial. Organizations with limited web security monitoring or outdated plugin management practices are particularly vulnerable. The cross-site scripting vulnerability also complicates compliance with GDPR and other data protection regulations, as exploitation could result in unauthorized data disclosure.

Immediate mitigation steps include disabling or removing the kylegetson Shortcode Generator plugin until a vendor patch is released. Organizations should monitor official channels for updates and apply patches promptly once available. In the interim, implement strict input validation and output encoding on all user-supplied data within the web application to prevent script injection. Deploy a robust Content Security Policy (CSP) that restricts the execution of inline scripts and limits sources of executable code. Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) should be configured to detect and block reflected XSS attack patterns targeting the vulnerable endpoints. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability scans and penetration tests focusing on web application input handling. User awareness training is critical to reduce the risk of social engineering attacks that exploit this vulnerability. Logging and monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious URL parameters or unusual user behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Finally, consider adopting a defense-in-depth approach by isolating critical web services and limiting the privileges of web server processes to minimize potential damage.