CVE-2025-62058 identifies a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability within the favethemes Houzez Theme - Functionality WordPress plugin, specifically in versions prior to 4.2.0. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of user-supplied input during the generation of web pages, which allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the content rendered to users. This type of vulnerability can be exploited when an attacker with low privileges (PR:L) crafts a malicious payload that requires user interaction (UI:R), such as tricking a user into clicking a link or visiting a crafted page. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability to a limited extent, as the injected scripts can steal session cookies, manipulate page content, or perform actions on behalf of the user. The scope is classified as changed (S:C), meaning the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the initially vulnerable component, potentially impacting other users or systems interacting with the compromised site. The CVSS vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:L) indicates network attack vector, low attack complexity, low privileges required, user interaction needed, changed scope, and low impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, but the popularity of the Houzez theme in real estate websites makes it a valuable target for attackers. The vulnerability was published on October 22, 2025, with the vendor project being favethemes. The absence of patch links suggests that users should monitor for updates or apply manual mitigations. The vulnerability is categorized under improper input neutralization during web page generation, a common cause of XSS issues. Given the nature of WordPress themes and their widespread use, this vulnerability could be leveraged to conduct phishing, session hijacking, or defacement attacks if exploited.

For European organizations, especially those operating real estate, property management, or related digital platforms using the Houzez WordPress theme, this vulnerability poses a tangible risk. Successful exploitation could lead to theft of user credentials, session hijacking, unauthorized actions performed on behalf of users, or defacement of websites, damaging brand reputation and user trust. The medium severity indicates that while the impact is not catastrophic, it can disrupt business operations and lead to data breaches involving personal or financial information. Given the interconnected nature of European digital services and GDPR regulations, any data compromise could result in regulatory penalties and legal consequences. Additionally, attackers could use compromised sites as a foothold to launch further attacks within an organization's network. The requirement for user interaction somewhat limits mass exploitation but targeted spear-phishing campaigns could be effective. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers often weaponize such vulnerabilities rapidly after disclosure.

European organizations should immediately inventory their WordPress installations to identify any use of the Houzez Theme - Functionality plugin. They should prioritize upgrading to version 4.2.0 or later once it becomes available, as this will contain the official patch. In the interim, applying strict input validation and output encoding on all user-supplied data within the theme's codebase can reduce risk. Employing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) configured to detect and block common XSS payloads can provide a protective layer. Security teams should monitor web server logs and user reports for suspicious activity indicative of XSS exploitation attempts. Educating users about the risks of clicking unknown links or interacting with untrusted content can reduce the likelihood of successful user interaction exploitation. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can help mitigate the impact of injected scripts by restricting script execution sources. Regular security audits and penetration testing focused on web application vulnerabilities will help identify residual risks. Finally, organizations should maintain up-to-date backups to enable rapid recovery in case of defacement or compromise.