CVE-2025-7957 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability affecting the ShortcodeHub – MultiPurpose Shortcode Builder plugin for WordPress, developed by surror. This vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 1.7.1. The root cause is improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically insufficient sanitization and escaping of the 'author_link_target' parameter. An attacker with authenticated Contributor-level access or higher can exploit this flaw by injecting malicious JavaScript code into pages generated by the plugin. Because the vulnerability is stored XSS, the injected script persists in the website’s content and executes whenever any user accesses the compromised page, potentially affecting site administrators, editors, and visitors. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.4 (medium severity), reflecting that the attack vector is network-based, requires low attack complexity, and privileges at the contributor level, but does not require user interaction. The impact includes limited confidentiality and integrity loss, with no direct availability impact. The vulnerability’s scope is changed (S:C), meaning the attack can affect resources beyond the vulnerable component, such as user sessions or other site content. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no official patches have been linked yet. However, the presence of this vulnerability in a widely used WordPress plugin poses a significant risk, especially since WordPress powers a large portion of websites globally, including many in Europe. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to steal cookies, perform actions on behalf of users, or conduct phishing attacks within the context of the affected site.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-7957 can be substantial, particularly for those relying on WordPress sites with the ShortcodeHub plugin installed. Stored XSS can lead to session hijacking, unauthorized actions, and data theft, undermining user trust and potentially violating GDPR requirements regarding personal data protection. Organizations in sectors such as e-commerce, government, education, and media, which often use WordPress for content management, may face reputational damage and legal consequences if user data is compromised. The vulnerability’s requirement for Contributor-level access means that internal threat actors or compromised accounts could exploit it, increasing insider threat risks. Additionally, the cross-site scripting can be used to deliver further malware or redirect users to malicious sites, amplifying the threat. Given the interconnected nature of European digital infrastructure, exploitation could also facilitate lateral movement within networks if attackers gain elevated privileges through the initial XSS attack.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should first identify all WordPress instances using the ShortcodeHub – MultiPurpose Shortcode Builder plugin and verify the version in use. Immediate steps include restricting Contributor-level access to trusted users only and auditing existing user roles for unnecessary privileges. Since no official patch is currently linked, organizations should implement manual input validation and output escaping for the 'author_link_target' parameter in the plugin code as a temporary fix. Employing Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block malicious script payloads targeting this parameter can reduce exploitation risk. Regularly monitoring logs for suspicious activity related to shortcode usage and user input is recommended. Organizations should also educate content contributors about the risks of injecting untrusted content and enforce strict content policies. Once a patch is released, prompt application of updates is critical. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can help mitigate the impact of XSS by restricting script execution sources.