CVE-2025-68977 identifies a DOM-based Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the DesignThemes Portfolio Addon, a plugin used to enhance portfolio features on websites. The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, allowing malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of a victim's browser. This type of XSS is client-side and occurs when the addon processes user-controllable data without adequate sanitization or encoding, leading to script execution in the Document Object Model (DOM). The affected versions include all releases up to and including version 1.5. The CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N) indicates that the attack can be performed remotely over the network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges, but does require user interaction (such as clicking a crafted link). The scope is changed, meaning the vulnerability affects resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. The impact is limited to partial confidentiality and integrity loss, such as session token theft or manipulation of displayed content, but does not affect system availability. No patches or known exploits are currently available, and the vulnerability was publicly disclosed at the end of 2025. The vulnerability is particularly relevant for websites using the DesignThemes Portfolio Addon, commonly deployed on WordPress or similar CMS platforms.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to web applications that utilize the DesignThemes Portfolio Addon for portfolio management or display. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute malicious scripts in users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, theft of sensitive information, or manipulation of web content. This can undermine user trust, lead to data breaches, and cause reputational damage. While the vulnerability does not directly impact system availability, the confidentiality and integrity impacts can be significant, especially for organizations handling sensitive client data or financial transactions. The requirement for user interaction limits automated exploitation but does not eliminate risk, particularly in phishing scenarios. Organizations with customer-facing websites or intranet portals using this addon are at higher risk. The lack of available patches increases exposure until a fix is released or mitigations are applied.

Organizations should immediately audit their web environments to identify the presence of the DesignThemes Portfolio Addon, particularly versions up to 1.5. Until a patch is available, it is advisable to disable or remove the addon to eliminate the attack surface. If removal is not feasible, implement strict Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict script execution origins and reduce the impact of injected scripts. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules targeting DOM-based XSS patterns to detect and block malicious payloads. Educate users to be cautious with unsolicited links to mitigate the risk of user interaction exploitation. Developers should review and sanitize all user inputs processed by the addon, applying proper output encoding and input validation techniques. Monitoring web logs for unusual script injection attempts and anomalous user behavior can help detect exploitation attempts. Finally, maintain close communication with the vendor or community for timely patch releases and updates.