CVE-2025-67538 is a Stored Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the jegtheme JNews Gallery plugin, affecting all versions prior to 12.0.1. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of user-supplied input during the generation of web pages, allowing malicious scripts to be stored and subsequently executed in the browsers of users who visit the compromised pages. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because the malicious payload persists on the server and can affect multiple users without requiring repeated exploitation. The flaw does not require authentication or user interaction beyond visiting the affected page, making it easier for attackers to exploit. Potential attack vectors include injecting JavaScript code that can hijack user sessions, steal cookies, perform actions on behalf of users, or redirect users to malicious sites. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the vulnerability's nature and the widespread use of JNews Gallery in WordPress environments make it a significant threat. The absence of a CVSS score necessitates an assessment based on the vulnerability's characteristics: it impacts confidentiality and integrity, is easy to exploit, affects a broad scope of systems using the plugin, and requires no authentication or user interaction beyond page visit. The vulnerability was published on December 9, 2025, by Patchstack, but no official patches or mitigation links were provided in the source data, emphasizing the need for users to seek updates from the vendor promptly.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-67538 can be substantial, especially for those relying on the JNews Gallery plugin to manage and display media content on their websites. Successful exploitation can lead to session hijacking, unauthorized actions performed on behalf of users, defacement of websites, and distribution of malware to visitors, undermining user trust and potentially causing reputational damage. Confidential information such as user credentials and personal data could be exposed, violating GDPR and other data protection regulations, which could result in legal and financial penalties. The availability of websites might also be indirectly affected if attackers use the vulnerability to inject disruptive scripts or launch further attacks. Since many European businesses, media outlets, and content creators use WordPress and its plugins extensively, the vulnerability poses a risk to a wide range of sectors including e-commerce, publishing, and public services. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive mitigation, but the ease of exploitation means attackers could quickly develop and deploy attacks once the vulnerability becomes widely known.

To mitigate CVE-2025-67538 effectively, European organizations should immediately verify if they use the JNews Gallery plugin and identify the version in use. The primary recommendation is to update the plugin to version 12.0.1 or later, where the vulnerability is addressed. If an immediate update is not feasible, organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization on all user inputs related to the gallery plugin, ensuring that scripts and HTML tags are properly neutralized before storage or rendering. Employing a robust Content Security Policy (CSP) can help restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts in users' browsers, reducing the impact of potential XSS payloads. Additionally, web application firewalls (WAFs) can be configured to detect and block typical XSS attack patterns targeting the plugin. Regular security audits and monitoring for unusual activity on affected web pages are also advised. Organizations should educate their web administrators about the risks and signs of XSS attacks and ensure that backups are maintained to restore compromised content quickly.