CVE-2025-49953 is a reflected Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the ShareBang, Ultimate Social Share Buttons plugin for WordPress, affecting versions up to 1.4. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of user-supplied input during the generation of web pages, which allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that is reflected back to users without proper sanitization. When a victim clicks a crafted link or visits a manipulated URL, the injected script executes within their browser context, potentially enabling attackers to steal session cookies, perform actions on behalf of the user, or redirect users to malicious sites. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user privileges, making it easier to exploit. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the widespread use of WordPress and social sharing plugins increases the attack surface. The plugin’s role in social sharing means it is often embedded in websites with significant user interaction, increasing the risk of successful exploitation. The absence of a CVSS score suggests the need for an independent severity assessment. Given the nature of reflected XSS, the vulnerability primarily impacts confidentiality and integrity, with limited direct impact on availability. The vulnerability was reserved in June 2025 and published in October 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. No official patches or mitigations are currently linked, emphasizing the need for vigilance and interim protective measures.

For European organizations, this vulnerability can lead to significant risks including theft of user credentials, session hijacking, and unauthorized actions performed under the guise of legitimate users. This is particularly concerning for e-commerce platforms, financial services, media outlets, and government websites that rely on WordPress and social sharing plugins to engage users. Exploitation could result in data breaches, reputational damage, regulatory penalties under GDPR due to compromised personal data, and financial losses. The reflected XSS nature means attackers can craft phishing links that appear legitimate, increasing the likelihood of successful attacks. Additionally, organizations with large user bases or those that handle sensitive user information are at higher risk. The vulnerability could also be leveraged as a stepping stone for more complex attacks, such as delivering malware or conducting broader social engineering campaigns. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the threat landscape could evolve rapidly given the plugin’s popularity.

Organizations should immediately inventory their WordPress installations to identify the presence of the ShareBang, Ultimate Social Share Buttons plugin, especially versions up to 1.4. Until an official patch is released, administrators should consider disabling or removing the plugin to eliminate the attack vector. If removal is not feasible, implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious input patterns commonly used in reflected XSS attacks, such as script tags or event handlers in URLs. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts on affected pages. Additionally, ensure that all user inputs are properly sanitized and encoded before being reflected in web pages, potentially by customizing the plugin code or applying filters at the WordPress level. Monitor web server and application logs for unusual request patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. Educate users and administrators about the risks of clicking suspicious links and encourage reporting of anomalies. Finally, stay updated with vendor advisories and apply patches promptly once available.