CVE-2025-53566 is a stored Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability classified under CWE-79, affecting the WordPress plugin 'WP Visitor Statistics (Real Time Traffic)' developed by osama.esh. This vulnerability arises due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, allowing malicious input to be stored and subsequently executed in the context of users viewing the affected pages. The plugin versions up to 7.8 are impacted, though exact version details prior to 7.8 are unspecified. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.5, indicating a medium severity level. The vector indicates that the attack can be launched remotely over the network (AV:N), requires low attack complexity (AC:L), but does require privileges (PR:L) and user interaction (UI:R). The scope is changed (S:C), meaning the vulnerability affects resources beyond the security scope of the vulnerable component. The impact affects confidentiality, integrity, and availability at a low level. Stored XSS vulnerabilities allow attackers to inject malicious scripts that persist on the server and execute in the browsers of users who visit the compromised pages. This can lead to session hijacking, defacement, redirection to malicious sites, or execution of arbitrary actions on behalf of the victim user. Given that this is a WordPress plugin used for real-time traffic statistics, the attack surface includes administrators and users who access the plugin's reporting interfaces. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches or fixes have been linked yet, indicating that mitigation may require manual intervention or updates once available. The vulnerability requires at least some level of privilege to exploit, and user interaction is necessary, which somewhat limits the ease of exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments with multiple users or administrators.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily to websites using the WP Visitor Statistics plugin. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized script execution in the browsers of site administrators or users, potentially compromising session tokens, leaking sensitive information, or enabling further attacks such as privilege escalation or malware distribution. Given the widespread use of WordPress across Europe, organizations relying on this plugin for traffic analytics may face reputational damage, data breaches, or service disruptions. The impact is heightened for sectors with strict data protection regulations such as GDPR, where leakage of personal data or unauthorized access could result in regulatory penalties. Additionally, organizations with public-facing websites that serve customers or partners in Europe could see trust erosion if attackers leverage this vulnerability for phishing or defacement. The requirement for user interaction and privileges reduces the likelihood of mass exploitation but does not eliminate targeted attacks against high-value European entities.

European organizations should immediately audit their WordPress installations to identify the presence of the WP Visitor Statistics (Real Time Traffic) plugin, especially versions up to 7.8. Until an official patch is released, administrators should consider disabling or uninstalling the plugin to eliminate the attack vector. Implementing Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block typical XSS payloads targeting this plugin can provide interim protection. Additionally, enforcing strict Content Security Policies (CSP) can mitigate the impact of injected scripts by restricting script execution sources. Organizations should also review user privileges to minimize the number of users with the ability to input or manage plugin data, reducing the risk of exploitation. Regular monitoring of logs for suspicious input patterns and user activities related to the plugin is advised. Once a patch becomes available, prompt application of updates is critical. Finally, educating administrators and users about the risks of interacting with untrusted content within the plugin interface can reduce successful exploitation chances.