CVE-2026-25451 identifies a Stored Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Bold Page Builder plugin developed by boldthemes, affecting all versions up to and including 5.6.4. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of user-supplied input during the generation of web pages, which allows malicious scripts to be embedded and persist on the affected website. Stored XSS differs from reflected XSS in that the malicious payload is permanently stored on the server, typically in a database or content management system, and served to all users who access the compromised page. This can lead to a range of attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, unauthorized actions on behalf of users, and distribution of malware. The vulnerability does not require authentication, meaning any unauthenticated attacker can exploit it by injecting malicious content, and no user interaction beyond visiting the infected page is necessary to trigger the payload. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the nature of stored XSS makes it a critical concern for websites relying on the Bold Page Builder plugin. The lack of a CVSS score indicates the need for a severity assessment based on technical characteristics. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of user data and the availability of the website if attackers leverage the flaw to deface or disrupt services. The plugin is widely used in WordPress environments, which are prevalent across Europe, increasing the potential attack surface. The absence of patch links suggests that a fix may not yet be publicly available, underscoring the importance of proactive mitigation. Organizations should monitor vendor communications for updates and consider compensating controls such as web application firewalls and input sanitization.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2026-25451 can be significant, especially for those relying on WordPress websites using the Bold Page Builder plugin. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized script execution in users' browsers, resulting in session hijacking, theft of sensitive data such as login credentials, and unauthorized actions performed with the victim's privileges. This can compromise customer trust, lead to data breaches under GDPR regulations, and cause reputational damage. Additionally, attackers could deface websites or distribute malware, impacting service availability and user safety. The stored nature of the XSS means that once injected, the malicious script affects all visitors until removed, amplifying the risk. European organizations in sectors such as e-commerce, finance, healthcare, and government, where website integrity and data confidentiality are paramount, are particularly vulnerable. The lack of authentication requirement lowers the barrier to exploitation, increasing the likelihood of attacks. Furthermore, regulatory frameworks in Europe impose strict penalties for data breaches, making the consequences of exploitation more severe. Organizations may also face operational disruptions and increased incident response costs. Overall, the threat poses a high risk to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected web assets in Europe.

1. Monitor boldthemes vendor channels closely for the release of a security patch addressing CVE-2026-25451 and apply updates immediately upon availability. 2. In the interim, implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with robust XSS filtering rules to detect and block malicious payloads targeting the vulnerability. 3. Conduct a thorough audit of all user-generated content and inputs handled by the Bold Page Builder plugin, applying manual or automated sanitization to neutralize potentially malicious scripts. 4. Restrict permissions for content editing within WordPress to trusted users only, minimizing the risk of malicious input injection. 5. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts in browsers. 6. Regularly scan websites for XSS vulnerabilities using specialized security tools and penetration testing. 7. Educate web administrators and developers on secure coding practices and the risks associated with stored XSS. 8. Consider temporarily disabling or replacing the Bold Page Builder plugin if immediate patching is not feasible and the risk is deemed unacceptable. 9. Maintain comprehensive backups of website data to enable rapid restoration in case of compromise. 10. Review and enhance incident response plans to address potential XSS exploitation scenarios.