CVE-2026-1838 MEDIUM

CVE-2026-1838: Hostel <= 1.1.6 - Reflected Cross-Site Scripting via 'shortcode_id' Parameter

Vendor Prasunsen
Product Hostel
Weakness CWE-79 · XSS
Published April 18, 2026
Last update April 20, 2026

CVSS base score

6.1/10
Attack vector Network
Attack complexity Low
Privileges required None
User interaction Required
Confidentiality Low
Integrity Low

CVSS vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N

What the vulnerability does

01Description

The Hostel plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting via the 'shortcode_id' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 1.1.6 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that execute if they can successfully trick a user into performing an action such as clicking on a link.

Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms

02Summary

Hostel versions up to 1.1.6 contain a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages. The vulnerability requires user interaction—victims must visit a crafted link or page. When exploited, the attacker can steal session cookies, redirect users, or perform actions on their behalf. The impact extends beyond the vulnerable component to affect other parts of the application.

What an attacker can do

03Attacker Capabilities

Inject malicious scripts that execute in a victim's browser and steal their session or perform unauthorized actions.

Potential impact on your site

04Site Impact

Users visiting crafted links could have their sessions hijacked or be redirected to malicious sites; site reputation at risk.

Conditions required to exploit

05Prerequisites

Victim must click a malicious link or visit an attacker-controlled page; no authentication required.

Key dates

06Disclosure timeline

April 18, 2026 CVE published
April 20, 2026 Record updated

Related vulnerabilities

08Related CVE