What the vulnerability does
01Description
The BrightTALK WordPress Shortcode plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'format' shortcode attribute in the brighttalk-time shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 2.4.0. This is due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with contributor-level access and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.
Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms
02Summary
The BrightTALK WordPress Shortcode plugin through version 2.4.0 contains a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability. An authenticated user with low privileges can inject malicious scripts into shortcode content. These scripts execute in the browsers of other site visitors, potentially compromising their accounts or stealing sensitive data. The vulnerability affects all installations through version 2.4.0.
What an attacker can do
03Attacker Capabilities
Inject malicious JavaScript that runs in other users' browsers when they view affected pages.
Potential impact on your site
04Site Impact
Visitors to your site may have their sessions hijacked, credentials stolen, or be redirected to malicious sites.
Conditions required to exploit
05Prerequisites
Attacker must have a WordPress user account with low-level permissions (e.g., contributor or author role).
Key dates
06Disclosure timeline
November 21, 2025
CVE published
April 8, 2026
Record updated
