CVE-2025-8215 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Responsive Addons for Elementor plugin, a popular WordPress plugin used to extend the Elementor page builder functionality. This vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 1.7.4. The root cause is insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes within multiple widgets provided by the plugin. An authenticated attacker with contributor-level privileges or higher can exploit this flaw by injecting arbitrary malicious scripts into pages. These scripts are then stored persistently and executed in the context of any user who views the compromised page, potentially leading to session hijacking, privilege escalation, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of the victim. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond viewing the infected page and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.4, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is network-based, with low attack complexity, requiring privileges but no user interaction. The scope is changed because the vulnerability can affect other users beyond the attacker, impacting confidentiality and integrity but not availability. No known exploits in the wild have been reported yet, and no official patches have been linked at the time of publication. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, which covers improper neutralization of input during web page generation, a common vector for XSS attacks in web applications.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be significant, especially for those relying on WordPress websites with the Responsive Addons for Elementor plugin installed. Stored XSS can lead to theft of sensitive user data such as authentication cookies, enabling attackers to impersonate users, including administrators. This can result in unauthorized content changes, defacement, or further compromise of the website and backend systems. Organizations handling personal data under GDPR may face regulatory and reputational consequences if user data is exposed or manipulated. Additionally, the ability to execute scripts in users' browsers can facilitate phishing attacks or malware distribution, increasing the risk to end users and customers. Since contributor-level access is required, insider threats or compromised contributor accounts pose a direct risk. The vulnerability's medium severity suggests that while it is not the most critical, it still represents a meaningful threat vector that can be leveraged in targeted attacks or combined with other vulnerabilities for greater impact.

European organizations should take the following specific actions to mitigate this vulnerability: 1) Immediately audit WordPress installations to identify the presence of the Responsive Addons for Elementor plugin and verify the installed version. 2) Restrict contributor-level and higher privileges strictly to trusted users, implementing strong authentication and monitoring for suspicious activities. 3) Until an official patch is released, consider disabling or removing the vulnerable plugin to eliminate the attack surface. 4) Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious input patterns targeting the plugin’s widgets. 5) Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts in browsers. 6) Conduct regular security training for content contributors to recognize and avoid unsafe practices. 7) Monitor website logs for unusual script injections or user behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 8) Once a patch becomes available, prioritize prompt testing and deployment to restore secure operation. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on access control, proactive detection, and interim protective measures tailored to the plugin’s context.