CVE-2025-63071 is a vulnerability identified in the averta Shortcodes and extra features plugin for the Phlox WordPress theme, affecting all versions up to and including 2.17.12. The vulnerability allows an attacker to insert sensitive information into data sent by the website, effectively enabling the retrieval of embedded sensitive data. This could occur through manipulation of the shortcodes or theme features that handle data output, potentially exposing confidential information such as configuration details, user data, or other sensitive content embedded within the theme’s shortcode outputs. The vulnerability does not require prior authentication, increasing the risk of exploitation by remote attackers. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the lack of a patch and the nature of the vulnerability pose a significant risk. The vulnerability was reserved in late October 2025 and published in December 2025, but no CVSS score or official patch links have been provided yet. The averta Shortcodes and extra features plugin is widely used in conjunction with the Phlox theme, a popular WordPress theme, which increases the potential attack surface. The flaw primarily impacts confidentiality by exposing sensitive embedded data, but could also affect integrity if attackers manipulate the data sent. The vulnerability’s exploitation likely requires some form of user interaction with the affected website, such as visiting a page or triggering a shortcode, but does not require authentication, making it accessible to unauthenticated attackers. This vulnerability highlights the risks of insecure data handling in WordPress themes and plugins, especially those that embed sensitive information within shortcode outputs.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk of sensitive data leakage from websites using the Phlox theme with averta shortcodes. Confidential information such as internal configuration, user credentials, or proprietary data could be exposed to unauthorized parties, leading to reputational damage, regulatory non-compliance (e.g., GDPR violations), and potential financial losses. The exposure of sensitive data could also facilitate further attacks, such as targeted phishing or privilege escalation. Organizations relying on WordPress for their public-facing websites or intranet portals are particularly vulnerable. The lack of authentication requirement increases the attack surface, allowing remote attackers to exploit the vulnerability without credentials. This is especially critical for sectors with stringent data protection requirements, such as finance, healthcare, and government institutions in Europe. Additionally, the absence of a patch at the time of publication means organizations must implement interim mitigations to reduce risk. The potential impact on data confidentiality and integrity, combined with the widespread use of WordPress and the Phlox theme in Europe, underscores the importance of prompt action to mitigate this threat.

1. Monitor official sources such as the averta plugin repository and the Phlox theme developer announcements for patches addressing CVE-2025-63071 and apply updates immediately upon release. 2. In the interim, audit all usage of averta shortcodes and extra features within the Phlox theme to identify and remove or disable any shortcode instances that may embed sensitive information. 3. Restrict access to pages or sections of the website that use these shortcodes, using authentication or IP whitelisting where feasible, to limit exposure. 4. Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious requests targeting shortcode parameters or attempts to retrieve embedded sensitive data. 5. Conduct a thorough review of the website’s data handling practices to ensure no sensitive information is unnecessarily embedded in shortcode outputs or theme elements. 6. Educate web administrators and developers about the risks associated with shortcode misuse and encourage secure coding practices. 7. Regularly back up website data and configurations to enable rapid recovery if exploitation occurs. 8. Consider temporarily disabling the averta shortcodes plugin if the risk outweighs the functionality until a patch is available.