CVE-2025-9077 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Ultra Addons Lite for Elementor WordPress plugin, specifically affecting version 1.1.9 and earlier. This plugin extends Elementor, a popular WordPress page builder, by adding additional widgets, including the 'Typeout Widget' which features an 'Animated Text' field. The vulnerability arises from improper input sanitization and insufficient output escaping of user-supplied data in this field. Authenticated users with contributor-level privileges or higher can exploit this flaw by injecting malicious JavaScript payloads into the 'Animated Text' field. Because the vulnerability is stored, the injected scripts persist in the database and execute in the browsers of any users who visit the compromised page. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.4 reflects a medium severity, with an attack vector of network (remote exploitation), low attack complexity, and requiring privileges (contributor or above) but no user interaction. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality and integrity by enabling script execution that could steal session tokens, perform actions on behalf of users, or manipulate page content. Availability is not directly affected. The scope is changed, meaning the vulnerability can affect components beyond the initially vulnerable plugin, potentially impacting the entire WordPress site. No known public exploits are reported yet, and no official patches have been linked, indicating that mitigation may require manual intervention or plugin updates once available. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, a common and critical web security weakness related to improper neutralization of input during web page generation.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to websites using WordPress with the Ultra Addons Lite for Elementor plugin, particularly those allowing contributor-level users to create or edit content. Exploitation could lead to session hijacking, unauthorized actions performed under the guise of legitimate users, defacement, or distribution of malware via injected scripts. This can damage organizational reputation, lead to data breaches involving personal data protected under GDPR, and cause operational disruptions. Since WordPress powers a substantial portion of websites in Europe, including many small and medium enterprises, educational institutions, and public sector entities, the impact could be widespread. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to target internal users or customers, potentially escalating privileges or gaining further access. The stored nature of the XSS means that even users without elevated privileges who visit compromised pages are at risk, broadening the attack surface. Additionally, the vulnerability could be chained with other exploits to deepen compromise. The medium severity rating suggests a moderate but non-trivial threat level, emphasizing the need for timely mitigation to prevent exploitation.

European organizations should immediately audit their WordPress installations to identify the presence of the Ultra Addons Lite for Elementor plugin, especially versions 1.1.9 and below. Until an official patch is released, organizations should consider the following specific measures: 1) Restrict contributor-level access strictly to trusted users and review user roles to minimize privilege exposure. 2) Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious input patterns targeting the 'Animated Text' field or similar widget parameters. 3) Conduct manual code reviews or use security scanning tools to identify and sanitize any existing malicious content injected via this vulnerability. 4) Educate content editors about the risks of injecting untrusted content and enforce content validation policies. 5) Monitor website logs and user activity for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 6) Prepare for prompt plugin updates by subscribing to vendor advisories and WordPress security bulletins. 7) Consider temporary disabling or removing the vulnerable widget or plugin if feasible until a secure version is available. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on access control, proactive detection, and content hygiene specific to this vulnerability.