CVE-2026-102918 in Redux Framework Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2026
The Redux Framework plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting in all versions up to, and including, 4.5.15 via the multi_media field. This is due to the field's renderer printing the stored value into an href attribute, a hidden input value and an HTML element without escaping, while every neighbouring attribute in the same method is wrapped in esc_attr(). It is compounded by Redux_Extension_Users::user_meta_save() evaluating a field's 'permissions' requirement against a user id taken from the request body ('checkuser_id') rather than the current user, so a Subscriber can write a field declared for 'manage_options'. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with Subscriber-level access and above to inject arbitrary web scripts into their own profile record that execute when an administrator views that user's profile in the dashboard. Requires a theme or plugin that registers a multi_media field through the Redux Users API.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2026
The Redux Framework, a widely utilized WordPress plugin for managing custom fields and settings across themes and plugins, contains a critical stored cross-site scripting vulnerability affecting all versions up to 4.5.15. This flaw resides specifically within the multi_media field renderer, which fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before rendering it in HTML contexts. The technical root cause is an inconsistency in escaping mechanisms; while neighboring attributes are correctly wrapped with the esc_attr function, the href attribute and a hidden input value derived from the same stored data are printed without any sanitization or encoding. This oversight allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code that persists within the application's database until manually removed.
The severity of this vulnerability is significantly amplified by an authorization bypass flaw located in the Redux_Extension_Users::user_meta_save method. Instead of validating permissions against the currently authenticated user, the system evaluates field access rights using a checkuser_id parameter extracted directly from the request body. This logic error permits users with low-privilege roles, such as Subscribers, to write data into fields that are strictly reserved for administrators or editors who hold manage_options capabilities. By exploiting this permission bypass, an attacker can store malicious payloads in restricted configuration areas without triggering standard access control warnings or errors.
The operational impact of this combined vulnerability chain is severe, enabling authenticated attackers with Subscriber-level access and above to execute arbitrary web scripts within the context of higher-privileged users. When a site administrator views the profile page of a compromised user account in the WordPress dashboard, the stored malicious script embedded in the multi_media field renders and executes immediately. This scenario facilitates session hijacking, credential theft, or further lateral movement within the WordPress environment by leveraging the administrative privileges of the viewing user. The attack requires that the target theme or plugin has registered a multi_media field through the Redux Users API, making it dependent on specific third-party integrations but still posing a substantial risk to sites utilizing these configurations.
From a classification perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which covers Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation commonly known as Cross-site Scripting (XSS). The authorization bypass component corresponds closely to CWE-284, an Improper Access Control issue where the system fails to properly restrict access to resources. In terms of offensive security frameworks, this exploit maps to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1059, specifically sub-technique 007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as it involves injecting executable code into a web application context.
To mitigate this risk, administrators must immediately update the Redux Framework plugin to version 4.5.16 or later, where these escaping inconsistencies and permission checks have been corrected. Until an upgrade is feasible, site owners should audit their themes and plugins for any usage of the multi_media field within user profile configurations and consider disabling such fields if they are not strictly necessary. Additionally, implementing strict Content Security Policy headers can help mitigate the impact of successful XSS attempts by restricting script execution sources. Regular security audits focusing on input validation in custom WordPress forms are also recommended to prevent similar logic errors from being introduced into other plugins or themes that rely on external frameworks for field management.