What the vulnerability does
01Description
The Coachific Shortcode plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'userhash' shortcode attribute in all versions up to and including 1.0. This is due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. The plugin uses sanitize_text_field() on the 'userhash' parameter, which strips HTML tags but does not escape characters significant in a JavaScript string context (such as double quotes, semicolons, and parentheses). The sanitized value is then directly interpolated into a JavaScript string within a <script> tag on line 29 without any JavaScript-specific escaping (e.g., wp_json_encode() or esc_js()). 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
Coachific Shortcode versions 1.0 and earlier contain a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability that allows authenticated users to inject malicious scripts. The vulnerability has scope change, meaning injected code can affect other users and site functionality. An attacker with low-level account access can craft malicious input that executes in other users' browsers when they view affected content.
What an attacker can do
03Attacker Capabilities
Inject JavaScript that runs in other users' browsers, potentially stealing session tokens or modifying page content.
Potential impact on your site
04Site Impact
Authenticated users can inject malicious scripts affecting other site visitors and administrators, compromising user sessions and data.
Conditions required to exploit
05Prerequisites
Attacker must have a low-privilege account on the site; no user interaction required from victims.
Key dates
06Disclosure timeline
April 15, 2026
CVE published
April 16, 2026
Record updated
