CVE-2025-9562 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Redirection for Contact Form 7 plugin for WordPress, developed by themeisle. This vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 3.2.6 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes within the plugin's qs_date shortcode. Specifically, authenticated users with contributor-level access or higher can inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages by exploiting this shortcode. Because the malicious script is stored, it executes every time any user visits the infected page, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing cookies, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of users. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond page access and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.4, reflecting medium severity. The attack vector is network-based, with low attack complexity, requiring privileges but no user interaction. The scope is changed (S:C) because the vulnerability affects resources beyond the initially compromised component, impacting all users who visit the infected page. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability poses a significant risk to WordPress sites using this plugin, especially those with multiple contributors. The lack of a patch at the time of disclosure necessitates immediate attention to mitigate risk.

For European organizations, this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized script execution within their WordPress sites, potentially resulting in session hijacking, defacement, unauthorized data access, or further exploitation of internal systems. Organizations relying on the Redirection for Contact Form 7 plugin for managing form redirections are particularly vulnerable if they allow contributor-level access to users, which is common in collaborative environments. The compromise of user sessions can lead to data breaches, loss of customer trust, and reputational damage. Additionally, attackers could leverage this vulnerability to pivot into more critical systems if the WordPress site is integrated with internal networks or sensitive data repositories. Given the widespread use of WordPress and Contact Form 7 in Europe, especially in sectors like e-commerce, education, and public services, the impact could be significant if exploited at scale.

1. Monitor the themeisle plugin repository and official channels for the release of a security patch addressing CVE-2025-9562 and apply it immediately upon availability. 2. Until a patch is released, restrict contributor-level access by reviewing and tightening user permissions to minimize the number of users who can exploit this vulnerability. 3. Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious payloads targeting the qs_date shortcode parameters. 4. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts on affected pages. 5. Conduct regular security audits and code reviews of custom shortcodes or plugins that process user input to ensure proper sanitization and escaping. 6. Educate content contributors about the risks of injecting untrusted content and enforce strict content submission guidelines. 7. Consider temporarily disabling or removing the Redirection for Contact Form 7 plugin if feasible until a secure version is available.