CVE-2025-8619 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the OSM Map Widget for Elementor, a WordPress plugin developed by garbowza. This vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 1.3.0. The root cause is improper neutralization of user input during web page generation, specifically insufficient input sanitization and output escaping of user-supplied attributes in the plugin's Map Block URL. An attacker with contributor-level privileges or higher can exploit this flaw by injecting arbitrary JavaScript code into pages via the Map Block URL attribute. Because the malicious script is stored persistently, it executes every time any user accesses the compromised page, potentially leading to session hijacking, privilege escalation, or unauthorized actions within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 6.4, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is network-based with low attack complexity, requiring privileges equivalent to contributor access but no user interaction. The scope is changed, meaning the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the initially compromised component. Confidentiality and integrity impacts are low, while availability is not affected. No known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date (August 29, 2025). This vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79, which covers improper neutralization of input leading to XSS attacks. The lack of patches at the time of reporting indicates that affected organizations must implement interim mitigations to reduce risk.

For European organizations using WordPress websites with the OSM Map Widget for Elementor plugin, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for sites that allow contributor-level user roles. Exploitation can lead to unauthorized script execution, enabling attackers to steal session cookies, deface websites, or perform actions on behalf of legitimate users. This can result in reputational damage, data leakage, and potential compliance violations under GDPR if personal data is compromised. Since WordPress is widely used across Europe for corporate, governmental, and e-commerce websites, the attack surface is considerable. The stored nature of the XSS means that once injected, the malicious payload can affect multiple users over time, increasing the potential impact. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged as a foothold for further attacks within the network or to distribute malware. The medium severity score reflects that while the vulnerability requires some privilege level to exploit, the consequences on confidentiality and integrity can be meaningful. Organizations in sectors with high regulatory scrutiny, such as finance, healthcare, and public administration, may face heightened risks due to the sensitivity of their data and the potential for targeted attacks.

1. Immediate mitigation should include restricting contributor-level access to trusted users only, minimizing the risk of malicious input injection. 2. Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious payloads targeting the Map Block URL attribute. 3. Apply strict Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts on affected pages. 4. Regularly audit and sanitize existing content for injected scripts, removing any malicious code found. 5. Monitor logs and user activity for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Coordinate with the plugin vendor or community to obtain and deploy patches or updates as soon as they become available. 7. Educate site administrators and content contributors on secure input handling and the risks of XSS. 8. Consider temporarily disabling or replacing the OSM Map Widget for Elementor plugin if patching is delayed and risk is unacceptable. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on access control, proactive detection, and content hygiene specific to the vulnerability's exploitation vector.