CVE-2025-69296 identifies a reflected Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the GhostPool Aardvark WordPress theme, affecting versions up to and including 4.6.3. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of user-supplied input during the generation of web pages, which allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that is reflected back to users without adequate sanitization. This reflected XSS can be exploited by crafting malicious URLs or input vectors that, when visited or interacted with by a user, execute arbitrary scripts in the context of the victim’s browser session. Such scripts can steal cookies, session tokens, or perform actions on behalf of the user, compromising confidentiality and integrity. The vulnerability does not require authentication, making it accessible to unauthenticated attackers. Although no public exploits have been reported, the nature of reflected XSS vulnerabilities makes them relatively easy to exploit, especially in phishing or social engineering campaigns. The affected product, GhostPool Aardvark, is a WordPress theme commonly used for business and portfolio websites, which increases the attack surface in sectors relying on WordPress for web presence. The absence of a CVSS score necessitates an assessment based on impact and exploitability factors. Given the potential for session hijacking and data theft, combined with ease of exploitation, the vulnerability is considered high severity. No official patches or mitigation links are currently provided, indicating the need for immediate attention from site administrators and developers.

The primary impact of this reflected XSS vulnerability is the compromise of user confidentiality and integrity. Attackers can execute arbitrary scripts in the context of a victim’s browser, potentially stealing session cookies, credentials, or other sensitive information. This can lead to account takeover, unauthorized actions on affected websites, and erosion of user trust. For organizations, this can result in reputational damage, loss of customer confidence, and potential regulatory consequences if personal data is exposed. Additionally, attackers could use the vulnerability to deliver malware or redirect users to malicious sites, increasing the risk of broader compromise. Since the vulnerability affects a widely used WordPress theme, the scope includes numerous small to medium businesses and content publishers worldwide. The ease of exploitation without authentication and the common use of the affected theme increase the likelihood of targeted phishing campaigns leveraging this flaw. Although no known exploits are currently in the wild, the vulnerability remains a significant risk until mitigated.

To mitigate CVE-2025-69296, organizations should first check for updates or patches from GhostPool and apply them promptly once available. In the absence of official patches, site administrators should implement strict input validation and output encoding on all user-supplied data reflected in web pages to prevent script injection. Employing a robust Content Security Policy (CSP) can help restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts and reduce the impact of potential XSS attacks. Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) should be configured to detect and block common XSS attack patterns targeting the affected theme. Additionally, educating users about phishing risks and encouraging cautious behavior when clicking on links can reduce successful exploitation. Regular security audits and penetration testing focusing on input handling in the theme can identify residual risks. Finally, monitoring web server logs and user activity for unusual patterns can aid in early detection of exploitation attempts.