CVE-2025-60162 is a DOM-based Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the PickPlugins Job Board Manager plugin, affecting versions up to 2.1.61. This vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, classified under CWE-79. Specifically, the plugin fails to adequately sanitize or encode user-supplied input before it is processed and rendered in the Document Object Model (DOM), allowing an attacker to inject malicious scripts. The vulnerability requires at least low privileges (PR:L) and user interaction (UI:R) to be exploited, but it can lead to a complete scope impact (S:C), meaning the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the vulnerable component, potentially compromising the entire user session or application context. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.5, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), meaning exploitation can be attempted remotely over the internet. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability to a limited extent (C:L/I:L/A:L), as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of the victim’s browser, potentially stealing session tokens, defacing content, or performing actions on behalf of the user. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. However, the presence of this vulnerability in a widely used job board management plugin poses a risk to websites relying on this software for recruitment and job listing functionalities.

For European organizations, especially those operating recruitment platforms, HR portals, or job boards using the PickPlugins Job Board Manager plugin, this vulnerability presents a significant risk. Exploitation could lead to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed under the guise of legitimate users, potentially exposing sensitive candidate or employee data. This could result in reputational damage, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR violations due to personal data exposure), and financial losses. Since the vulnerability requires user interaction, phishing or social engineering campaigns could be used to lure users into triggering the malicious payload. The medium severity score suggests that while the impact is not catastrophic, the widespread use of the plugin in small to medium enterprises across Europe could amplify the threat. Additionally, compromised job boards could be used as vectors for further attacks within corporate networks, increasing lateral movement risks.

Organizations should immediately audit their websites and platforms to identify the use of PickPlugins Job Board Manager, particularly versions up to 2.1.61. Until an official patch is released, administrators should implement strict Content Security Policies (CSP) to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts and reduce the risk of DOM-based XSS exploitation. Input validation and output encoding should be enforced at the application level, especially for any user-controllable parameters that influence DOM manipulation. Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) can be configured with custom rules to detect and block suspicious payloads targeting this vulnerability. User awareness training should emphasize caution when interacting with job board interfaces, particularly regarding unsolicited links or inputs. Monitoring and logging of unusual activities on job board pages can help detect exploitation attempts early. Finally, organizations should subscribe to vendor updates and security advisories to apply patches promptly once available.