CVE-2025-62057 is a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the favethemes Houzez Theme - Functionality WordPress plugin, specifically in versions before 4.2.0. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of user-supplied input during the generation of web pages, allowing attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code into pages viewed by other users. This type of vulnerability is classified as reflected or stored XSS depending on the context, but the details suggest it could be exploited by tricking users into clicking crafted URLs or interacting with manipulated content. The CVSS v3.1 score of 7.1 indicates a high severity, with an attack vector of network (remote exploitation), low attack complexity, no privileges required, but user interaction necessary. The scope is changed, meaning the vulnerability affects components beyond the initially vulnerable module, potentially impacting the entire WordPress site. The consequences include partial loss of confidentiality (e.g., theft of cookies or credentials), integrity (e.g., content manipulation), and availability (e.g., script-based denial of service). Although no public exploits are reported yet, the widespread use of WordPress and the Houzez theme in real estate websites makes this a significant risk. The vulnerability was reserved in early October 2025 and published in November 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. No patches or updates are explicitly linked, but upgrading to version 4.2.0 or later is implied to resolve the issue. The vulnerability is tracked by Patchstack and the CVE database.

For European organizations, especially those in the real estate sector using WordPress with the Houzez theme, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Successful exploitation can lead to session hijacking, enabling attackers to impersonate users, including administrators, potentially leading to unauthorized access and data breaches. Manipulation of website content can damage brand reputation and customer trust. The partial loss of availability through script-based attacks can disrupt business operations. Given the interconnected nature of European digital services and strict data protection regulations like GDPR, any compromise involving personal data can result in regulatory penalties and legal consequences. The lack of required privileges lowers the barrier for attackers, increasing the likelihood of exploitation. Organizations relying on this theme for customer-facing portals or internal dashboards are particularly vulnerable. The threat is heightened by the common use of WordPress in Europe and the popularity of the Houzez theme in real estate markets across countries such as Germany, France, the UK, Italy, and Spain.

1. Immediate upgrade to Houzez Theme - Functionality version 4.2.0 or later once officially released to patch the vulnerability. 2. In the interim, deploy Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block typical XSS payloads targeting the theme’s input vectors. 3. Conduct a thorough audit of all user input points in the website, implementing strict input validation and output encoding to prevent script injection. 4. Educate users and administrators about phishing and social engineering risks related to XSS attacks to reduce successful user interaction exploitation. 5. Monitor web server and application logs for unusual requests or error patterns indicative of attempted XSS exploitation. 6. Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts on the website. 7. Regularly back up website data and configurations to enable rapid recovery in case of compromise. 8. Coordinate with theme developers and subscribe to security advisories for timely updates and patches.