CVE-2025-8216 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability affecting the Sky Addons for Elementor plugin for WordPress, developed by wowdevs. This vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 3.1.4. The root cause is improper neutralization of input during web page generation (CWE-79), specifically insufficient sanitization and output escaping of user-supplied attributes in multiple widgets provided by the plugin. An authenticated attacker with contributor-level privileges or higher can exploit this flaw to inject arbitrary malicious scripts into pages. These scripts execute in the context of any user who views the compromised page, potentially leading to session hijacking, privilege escalation, or unauthorized actions within the WordPress site. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond viewing the infected page, and the attacker must have at least contributor-level access, which is a relatively low privilege level in WordPress. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.4 (medium severity), reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, privileges required, no user interaction, and partial impact on confidentiality and integrity but no impact on availability. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no official patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability affects a widely used plugin that extends Elementor, a popular WordPress page builder, making it a significant concern for websites relying on these tools for content management and presentation.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily to websites using WordPress with the Sky Addons plugin. Exploitation can lead to unauthorized script execution, enabling attackers to steal session cookies, deface websites, or conduct phishing attacks by injecting malicious content. This can damage brand reputation, result in data breaches, and potentially violate GDPR requirements concerning data protection and breach notification. Organizations in sectors such as e-commerce, media, education, and government that rely on WordPress for public-facing sites are particularly at risk. The requirement for contributor-level access limits the attack surface but does not eliminate risk, as insider threats or compromised contributor accounts could be leveraged. The vulnerability’s ability to affect the integrity and confidentiality of website content and user data could lead to loss of customer trust and legal consequences under European data protection laws.

European organizations should take immediate steps to mitigate this vulnerability beyond generic patching advice. First, audit user roles and permissions in WordPress to ensure that contributor-level access is granted only to trusted users and is minimized. Implement strict access controls and monitor contributor activities for suspicious behavior. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block typical XSS payloads targeting the affected plugin’s widgets. Use Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts on affected sites. Regularly scan websites for injected scripts or anomalous content changes. Until an official patch is released, consider disabling or removing the Sky Addons plugin if feasible. Educate site administrators about the risks of XSS and the importance of sanitizing inputs when adding content. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups to enable quick recovery if an attack occurs.