CVE-2020-36769 in Widget Settings Importer-Exporter Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/23/2023
The Widget Settings Importer/Exporter Plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the wp_ajax_import_widget_dataparameter AJAX action in versions up to, and including, 1.5.3 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with subscriber-level permissions and above to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2026
The Widget Settings Importer/Exporter plugin for WordPress presents a critical stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that affects versions through 1.5.3. This vulnerability exists within the wp_ajax_import_widget_data AJAX action handler, where the plugin fails to properly sanitize user input before processing and storing widget data. The flaw allows authenticated attackers with subscriber-level permissions or higher to inject malicious scripts that persist in the WordPress database and execute whenever affected pages are loaded by other users. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output escaping mechanisms that should have been implemented to prevent malicious code injection into the plugin's data handling processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the plugin's import functionality where widget settings are stored and later retrieved for display. When an attacker uploads malicious widget data through the import feature, the plugin processes the input without sufficient sanitization, allowing script tags and other malicious content to be stored in the database. Upon subsequent page loads, these stored scripts execute in the context of other users' browsers, creating a persistent XSS attack vector. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only subscriber-level privileges, making it accessible to users who typically have limited administrative capabilities. This represents a significant bypass of WordPress's permission model and access controls.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a serious risk for WordPress sites that rely on the plugin for widget management. The stored nature of the XSS attack means that malicious scripts can affect multiple users over time, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the compromised site. Attackers could inject scripts that redirect users to phishing sites, steal cookies, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable more sophisticated attacks such as credential harvesting or privilege escalation within the WordPress environment. Organizations using this plugin face potential exposure of sensitive user data and possible complete site compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through plugin updates to versions that address the sanitization issues. Administrators should also implement additional security measures including input validation at multiple layers, output escaping for all dynamic content, and regular security audits of plugin functionality. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and could be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1566 for initial access through malicious content. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls, monitoring for suspicious import activities, and restricting plugin installation permissions to reduce attack surface. Regular security assessments of third-party plugins and maintaining up-to-date WordPress core installations remain essential defensive practices to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities.