CVE-2026-0738 Overview
The WP Shortcodes Plugin - Shortcodes Ultimate plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) via the su_carousel shortcode in all versions up to and including 7.4.8. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping in the su_slide_link attachment meta field, allowing authenticated attackers with author-level access or higher to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages that execute whenever a user accesses the compromised page.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers can inject malicious JavaScript that persists in the database and executes in visitors' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or malicious redirects.
Affected Products
- WP Shortcodes Plugin - Shortcodes Ultimate versions up to and including 7.4.8
- WordPress installations using the vulnerable plugin
- Websites with author-level or higher authenticated users
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-04-04 - CVE-2026-0738 published to NVD
- 2026-04-07 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-0738
Vulnerability Analysis
This Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 (Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation). The flaw exists in how the su_carousel shortcode handles the su_slide_link attachment meta field. When users insert carousel shortcodes with malicious slide link values, the plugin fails to properly sanitize input before storage and escape output before rendering, allowing JavaScript payloads to be stored in the WordPress database and executed on page load.
The attack requires authentication with at least author-level privileges, meaning the attacker must have legitimate access to create or edit content on the WordPress site. Once a malicious payload is injected, it persists across page loads and affects all users who view the compromised page, including administrators.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability is insufficient input sanitization and output escaping in the carousel shortcode implementation. Specifically, the su_slide_link attachment meta field does not undergo proper validation when stored or proper escaping when rendered, allowing script tags and event handlers to be injected and executed in the browser context of visitors.
Attack Vector
The attack is network-based and requires low-privileged authenticated access. An attacker with author-level permissions can craft a malicious carousel shortcode containing JavaScript payloads in the slide link parameters. When the page containing this shortcode is rendered, the unescaped malicious content executes in the context of any user viewing the page, including administrators with elevated privileges.
The vulnerability allows script injection through the shortcode's attachment metadata, which bypasses standard WordPress content filtering since it targets plugin-specific functionality rather than post content directly.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-0738
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual JavaScript code present in carousel shortcode parameters or attachment metadata
- Unexpected <script> tags or event handlers (e.g., onerror, onload) in su_slide_link meta fields
- Reports of suspicious redirects or pop-ups when users view pages with carousel elements
- Unexplained changes to attachment metadata in the WordPress database
Detection Strategies
- Review WordPress database entries in the postmeta table for suspicious content in su_slide_link fields
- Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect XSS patterns in shortcode parameters
- Monitor server logs for unusual POST requests to pages containing carousel shortcodes
- Use security plugins that scan for stored XSS patterns in WordPress content and metadata
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable WordPress audit logging to track changes to attachment metadata
- Deploy Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to mitigate impact of any successful XSS exploitation
- Regularly scan pages containing su_carousel shortcodes for injected scripts
- Monitor for JavaScript execution anomalies using browser-based security tools
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-0738
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the WP Shortcodes Plugin - Shortcodes Ultimate to version 7.4.9 or later immediately
- Audit all existing carousel shortcodes and attachment metadata for malicious content
- Review user accounts with author-level access and verify their legitimacy
- Temporarily disable the carousel shortcode functionality until the plugin is updated
Patch Information
The vulnerability has been addressed in version 7.4.9 of the Shortcodes Ultimate plugin. The fix includes proper input sanitization and output escaping for the su_slide_link attachment meta field in the carousel.php file. Technical details of the patch can be found in the WordPress Plugin Change Log.
Additional vulnerability research is available from CleanTalk CVE Research and the Wordfence Vulnerability Report.
Workarounds
- Restrict author-level access to trusted users only until the plugin is updated
- Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with XSS protection rules
- Deploy Content Security Policy headers to restrict inline script execution
- Temporarily remove or disable carousel shortcodes on sensitive pages
# Example CSP header configuration for Apache
# Add to .htaccess or Apache configuration
Header set Content-Security-Policy "default-src 'self'; script-src 'self'; object-src 'none';"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
