CVE-2025-67983 is a DOM-based Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the WP Visitor Statistics (Real Time Traffic) plugin for WordPress, developed by osama.esh. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically within the wp-stats-manager component, which fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it in the DOM. This allows an attacker with low privileges (PR:L) to craft malicious payloads that execute in the context of another user's browser when they interact with a crafted link or page element (UI:R). The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 8.3. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.5, indicating 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 performed remotely over the network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction, and impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability partially. The scope is changed (S:C), indicating the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability presents a risk for session hijacking, defacement, or injection of malicious scripts that could lead to further compromise. The plugin is widely used in WordPress environments for real-time traffic statistics, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking to exploit web application vulnerabilities. The lack of available patches at the time of reporting necessitates immediate mitigation efforts by administrators.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be significant, especially for those relying on WordPress sites with the affected plugin installed. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized script execution in users' browsers, enabling attackers to steal session cookies, perform actions on behalf of users, or deliver malware. This compromises confidentiality by exposing sensitive user data, integrity by allowing unauthorized content manipulation, and availability by potentially disrupting site functionality. Public sector websites, e-commerce platforms, and corporate portals are particularly at risk due to their reliance on web-based interactions and the potential sensitivity of the data handled. The medium severity score reflects the need for user interaction and authentication, which somewhat limits the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk. Given the widespread use of WordPress in Europe and the strategic importance of web services, exploitation could lead to reputational damage, regulatory penalties under GDPR for data breaches, and operational disruptions.

1. Monitor for and apply official patches or updates from the plugin vendor as soon as they become available. 2. Implement strict Content Security Policies (CSP) to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts and reduce the impact of XSS attacks. 3. Sanitize and validate all user inputs rigorously, especially those processed by the wp-stats-manager component, to prevent injection of malicious code. 4. Limit plugin access to trusted users with minimal privileges to reduce the risk of exploitation. 5. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) configured to detect and block XSS attack patterns targeting the plugin. 6. Educate users and administrators about phishing and social engineering tactics that could facilitate user interaction required for exploitation. 7. Regularly audit and monitor logs for suspicious activities related to the plugin or unusual script execution. 8. Consider temporarily disabling the plugin if immediate patching is not feasible and the risk is high. 9. Use security headers such as X-XSS-Protection and HTTPOnly cookies to mitigate exploitation vectors. 10. Conduct penetration testing focused on DOM-based XSS to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities proactively.