CVE-2025-62111 identifies a stored Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Webvitaly Extra Shortcodes plugin, a WordPress plugin used to add shortcode functionalities to websites. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of input during web page generation (CWE-79), which allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that are stored and later executed in the context of users visiting the affected site. The affected versions include all versions up to 2.2, with no specific version range provided. The CVSS 3.1 score of 6.5 indicates a medium severity, with the vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:L, meaning the attack can be launched remotely over the network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges, and user interaction is necessary. The scope is changed (S:C), indicating that the vulnerability affects resources beyond the vulnerable component. The impacts include limited confidentiality, integrity, and availability losses, such as session hijacking, defacement, or malware injection. No patches or known exploits are currently reported, but the vulnerability poses a risk to websites using this plugin, especially those with authenticated users who might be targeted. Stored XSS is particularly dangerous because malicious payloads persist on the server and affect multiple users. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to theft of sensitive information, unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or distribution of malware. The plugin is commonly used in WordPress environments, which are widely deployed across Europe, especially in small to medium enterprises and content-driven websites.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could lead to significant risks including theft of user credentials, session hijacking, unauthorized actions performed on behalf of users, and reputational damage due to website defacement or malware distribution. Organizations relying on WordPress sites with the Extra Shortcodes plugin are particularly vulnerable, especially those with authenticated user bases such as e-commerce, media, and government portals. The stored nature of the XSS means that once exploited, multiple users can be affected, amplifying the impact. Confidentiality could be compromised through data theft, integrity through unauthorized content modification, and availability through potential denial-of-service caused by malicious scripts. Given the medium CVSS score and requirement for user interaction, the threat is moderate but should not be underestimated, especially in sectors handling sensitive personal data under GDPR regulations. Failure to address this vulnerability could lead to regulatory penalties and loss of customer trust.

1. Monitor for and apply security patches from Webvitaly promptly once available. 2. Until patches are released, disable or remove the Extra Shortcodes plugin if feasible, especially on high-risk or public-facing sites. 3. Implement strict input validation and output encoding on all user-supplied data to prevent script injection. 4. Deploy Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts. 5. Use Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules targeting XSS attack patterns to detect and block malicious payloads. 6. Limit plugin usage to trusted and necessary shortcodes only, avoiding unnecessary exposure. 7. Educate users and administrators about the risks of clicking on suspicious links or interacting with untrusted content. 8. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focusing on XSS vulnerabilities. 9. Review user privilege assignments to minimize the number of users with low privileges capable of exploiting this vulnerability. 10. Monitor logs for unusual activities that could indicate exploitation attempts.