What the vulnerability does
01Description
The WP Statistics plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'utm_source' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 14.16.4. This is due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. The plugin's referral parser copies the raw utm_source value into the source_name field when a wildcard channel domain matches, and the chart renderer later inserts this value into legend markup via innerHTML without escaping. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts in admin pages that will execute whenever an administrator accesses the Referrals Overview or Social Media analytics pages.
Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms
02Summary
WP Statistics versions 14.16.4 and earlier contain a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious scripts into the site. The vulnerability affects the scope beyond the plugin itself, potentially impacting other site components. Site administrators should update to a version newer than 14.16.4 to remediate this issue.
What an attacker can do
03Attacker Capabilities
Inject malicious JavaScript that executes in visitors' browsers and affects other site components.
Potential impact on your site
04Site Impact
Visitors' browsers may execute attacker-controlled scripts, potentially stealing data or redirecting users.
Conditions required to exploit
05Prerequisites
No authentication or user interaction required; attacker can exploit this over the network.
Key dates
06Disclosure timeline
April 17, 2026
CVE published
April 17, 2026
Record updated
