What the vulnerability does
01Description
The Related Posts by Taxonomy plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the plugin's 'related_posts_by_tax' shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 2.7.6 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
Related Posts by Taxonomy versions 2.7.6 and earlier contain a cross-site scripting vulnerability. An authenticated user with low privileges can inject malicious scripts that execute in other users' browsers, potentially affecting site visitors across the platform. The vulnerability requires network access but no user interaction from the victim.
What an attacker can do
03Attacker Capabilities
Inject malicious JavaScript that runs in other users' browsers and affects site visitors.
Potential impact on your site
04Site Impact
Authenticated users can inject scripts affecting other users and visitors; site reputation and user data at risk.
Conditions required to exploit
05Prerequisites
Attacker must have a low-privilege authenticated account on the site.
Key dates
06Disclosure timeline
January 16, 2026
CVE published
April 8, 2026
Record updated
