What the vulnerability does
01Description
The ElementsKit Pro plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 's' parameter of the Advanced Search REST endpoint in all versions up to, and including, 4.10.1 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. The REST endpoint at /wp-json/elementskit/v1/advanced-search uses permission_callback set to __return_true, allowing unauthenticated access. Search terms are stored in the ekit_advanced_search_popular_keyword WordPress option via update_option(). While sanitize_text_field() is applied, it does not encode double quotes, and the stored keywords are rendered in HTML attributes via sprintf without esc_attr(), allowing attribute injection. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user triggers the "no results" popular keywords view on pages using the Advanced Search widget.
Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms
02Summary
ElementsKit Pro versions up to 4.10.1 contain a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the site. An attacker can craft a malicious link or page that, when visited by a site administrator or user, executes arbitrary JavaScript in their browser. This can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of the victim.
What an attacker can do
03Attacker Capabilities
Inject and execute malicious JavaScript in a user's browser to steal credentials or perform unauthorized actions.
Potential impact on your site
04Site Impact
Administrators and users visiting crafted links risk session hijacking, data theft, or malware infection affecting the entire site.
Conditions required to exploit
05Prerequisites
Attacker must trick a user into visiting a malicious link or page (user interaction required). No authentication needed.
Key dates
06Disclosure timeline
August 28, 2026
CVE published
