CVE-2026-1945 in WPBookit Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/04/2026
The WPBookit plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'wpb_user_name' and 'wpb_user_email' parameters in all versions up to, and including, 1.0.8 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers 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 • 03/05/2026
The WPBookit plugin for WordPress represents a significant security vulnerability through its susceptibility to stored cross-site scripting attacks that affect versions up to and including 1.0.8. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's handling of user-provided data. The specific parameters 'wpb_user_name' and 'wpb_user_email' serve as entry points for malicious actors to inject persistent script code into the plugin's data storage mechanisms. When users access pages containing this maliciously injected content, the stored scripts execute within their browser context, creating a persistent threat that can affect any user who views the compromised pages. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of weak input validation and insufficient output escaping, which are fundamental security principles that should be implemented at every layer of web application development. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category for Cross-Site Scripting, specifically categorized as a stored XSS flaw where the malicious payload is permanently stored on the server and executed each time the affected page is loaded. The attack vector exploits the trust relationship between the web application and its users, allowing attackers to manipulate the application's behavior and potentially escalate privileges or access sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, creating a persistent threat landscape that can be leveraged for various malicious activities including credential theft, session hijacking, and data exfiltration. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that redirect users to phishing sites, steal cookies and session tokens, or even deploy additional malware through the compromised user sessions. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that anyone can exploit this vulnerability without requiring valid credentials or administrative access to the WordPress installation. This makes the attack surface particularly broad and dangerous as it can be exploited by any visitor to the affected website. The stored nature of the vulnerability ensures that the malicious scripts remain active until manually removed from the database, creating a persistent backdoor that can be maintained for extended periods. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Phishing and T1566.002 for Spearphishing Attachment, as it provides a mechanism for delivering malicious payloads through legitimate-looking user interactions. The vulnerability also demonstrates the principle of least privilege violation, as it allows unauthorized users to manipulate the application's data storage and execution environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention and comprehensive remediation approaches that address both the immediate threat and prevent similar issues in the future. The most critical immediate action involves updating the WPBookit plugin to a version that contains proper input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict input validation that filters and escapes all user-provided data before storage, particularly focusing on the identified parameters that serve as attack vectors. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of defense by restricting the sources from which scripts can be executed within the application context. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins and themes that may be present in the WordPress environment. Database-level protections should include proper escaping of all user inputs and implementation of prepared statements to prevent injection attacks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of the principle of defense in depth, where multiple security controls work together to protect against various attack vectors. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions that can detect unusual patterns in user data insertion or script execution that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular patch management processes must be established to ensure that all WordPress plugins and themes are kept up to date with the latest security releases, as this vulnerability demonstrates how outdated software can create persistent security risks. The security community should also consider implementing automated scanning tools that can detect vulnerable plugin versions and alert administrators to potential exposure risks.