CVE-2025-53206 is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability classified under CWE-79, affecting the HT Mega – Absolute Addons for WPBakery Page Builder plugin developed by HT Plugins. This plugin is a popular WordPress extension that enhances the WPBakery Page Builder by adding various design elements and functionalities. The vulnerability arises due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, allowing malicious actors to inject and store arbitrary JavaScript code within the plugin's input fields. When a victim visits a compromised page, the malicious script executes in their browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, defacement, or further exploitation of the victim's browser environment. The vulnerability affects versions up to 1.0.8, with no specific earliest affected version identified. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.5 (medium severity), indicating a moderate risk 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 executed remotely over the network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges, and user interaction is necessary (e.g., victim must visit a maliciously crafted page). The scope is changed, meaning the vulnerability affects resources beyond the initially vulnerable component, and it impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability to a limited extent. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches or fixes have been linked yet. Stored XSS vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins are particularly dangerous because WordPress powers a significant portion of websites globally, including many European organizations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to compromise site visitors or administrators, potentially leading to broader network compromise or data leakage.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for those relying on WordPress websites with the HT Mega – Absolute Addons for WPBakery Page Builder plugin installed. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to user sessions, theft of sensitive information such as login credentials, and defacement or manipulation of website content. This can damage organizational reputation, lead to regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR violations if personal data is exposed), and result in financial losses. Since the vulnerability requires user interaction, phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to lure victims to malicious pages. The scope change indicates that the impact could extend beyond the plugin itself, potentially affecting other parts of the website or connected systems. European organizations in sectors such as e-commerce, government, education, and media, which often use WordPress extensively, are particularly at risk. Additionally, the medium severity score suggests that while the vulnerability is not critical, it should be addressed promptly to prevent exploitation, especially given the widespread use of the affected plugin.

1. Immediate action should include auditing WordPress sites to identify installations of HT Mega – Absolute Addons for WPBakery Page Builder, particularly versions up to 1.0.8. 2. Until an official patch is released, implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block typical XSS payloads targeting this plugin. 3. Restrict user privileges on WordPress sites to the minimum necessary, especially limiting who can input content that might be rendered by the plugin. 4. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to reduce the impact of potential XSS by restricting the execution of unauthorized scripts. 5. Educate site administrators and users about the risks of clicking on suspicious links or visiting untrusted pages to reduce successful social engineering attempts. 6. Monitor website logs for unusual activity or injection attempts related to the plugin. 7. Once a patch is available, prioritize updating the plugin to the fixed version. 8. Consider temporary disabling or replacing the plugin if the risk is unacceptable and no patch is available. 9. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on web application vulnerabilities, including XSS.