CVE-2025-67549 is a DOM-based Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the bobbingwide oik plugin, a WordPress plugin used to enhance website functionality. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of user-supplied input during the generation of web pages, which allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of the victim’s browser. This type of XSS is client-side, meaning the malicious payload is executed in the Document Object Model (DOM) after the page loads, often bypassing traditional server-side input validation. The vulnerability affects all versions of the oik plugin up to and including 4.15.3. According to the CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:L), the attack can be launched remotely over the network with low attack complexity, requires the attacker to have low privileges (authenticated user), and needs user interaction (e.g., clicking a crafted link). The scope is changed, indicating that exploitation can affect resources beyond the vulnerable component. The impact includes partial loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability, such as theft of sensitive information, session hijacking, or manipulation of web content. No public exploits are currently known, but the vulnerability is published and should be addressed proactively. The bobbingwide oik plugin is used in WordPress environments, which are prevalent in many European organizations, especially those relying on content management systems for their web presence.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily to websites and web applications using the bobbingwide oik plugin. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized script execution in users’ browsers, potentially resulting in credential theft, session hijacking, defacement, or redirection to malicious sites. This can damage organizational reputation, lead to data breaches involving personal or sensitive information protected under GDPR, and disrupt business operations. Since the vulnerability requires low privileges but does require user interaction, phishing or social engineering could be used to trigger the exploit. Organizations with customer-facing websites or intranet portals using the affected plugin are particularly vulnerable. The medium CVSS score reflects a balance between exploitability and impact, but the scope change means that the consequences could extend beyond the immediate application, affecting other systems or data. Given the widespread use of WordPress in Europe, the threat surface is significant, especially for SMEs and public sector entities that may rely on this plugin for enhanced functionality without rigorous security controls.

1. Monitor for and apply security patches or updates from the bobbingwide project as soon as they become available to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Implement strict Content Security Policies (CSP) to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts and reduce the impact of XSS attacks. 3. Conduct thorough input validation and sanitization on both client and server sides, especially for any user-controllable parameters used in page generation. 4. Limit user privileges to the minimum necessary to reduce the risk posed by low-privilege exploitation. 5. Educate users about phishing and social engineering risks to reduce the likelihood of user interaction triggering the exploit. 6. Use web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block XSS payloads targeting known vulnerable endpoints. 7. Regularly audit and review installed plugins and their versions to identify and remediate outdated or vulnerable components. 8. Employ security headers such as X-XSS-Protection and HTTPOnly cookies to provide additional layers of defense.