What the vulnerability does
01Description
The Countdown Timer – Widget Countdown plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the plugin's 'wpdevart_countdown' shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 2.7.7 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user supplied attributes. 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 Countdown Timer – Widget Countdown plugin for WordPress contains a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in versions up to 2.7.7. An authenticated user with low privileges can inject malicious scripts that execute in other users' browsers, potentially compromising site security and user data. The vulnerability affects the entire site scope due to its cross-site nature.
What an attacker can do
03Attacker Capabilities
Inject and execute malicious JavaScript in other users' browsers to steal data or perform actions on their behalf.
Potential impact on your site
04Site Impact
Malicious scripts can compromise user sessions, steal credentials, or deface content visible to site visitors.
Conditions required to exploit
05Prerequisites
Attacker must have a low-privilege WordPress account (e.g., subscriber or contributor role).
Key dates
06Disclosure timeline
January 10, 2026
CVE published
April 8, 2026
Record updated
