What the vulnerability does
01Description
The Widget Options - Extended plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the plugin's 'do_sidebar' shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 5.2.1 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
Widget Options - Extended versions up to 5.2.1 contain a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability. An authenticated user with low privileges can inject malicious scripts that execute in the browsers of other site visitors, potentially compromising their sessions or stealing sensitive data. The vulnerability affects the site's scope, meaning impacts may extend beyond the vulnerable component itself.
What an attacker can do
03Attacker Capabilities
Inject malicious scripts that run in other users' browsers when they view affected pages.
Potential impact on your site
04Site Impact
Visitors' sessions and data can be compromised by authenticated users with low privileges.
Conditions required to exploit
05Prerequisites
Attacker must have a low-privilege authenticated account on the site.
Key dates
06Disclosure timeline
September 23, 2025
CVE published
April 8, 2026
Record updated
