CVE-2026-28042 in Listify Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/05/2026
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Astoundify Listify listify allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects Listify: from n/a through <= 3.2.5.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2026
This cross-site scripting vulnerability exists within the Astoundify Listify plugin where insufficient input validation and sanitization occurs during web page generation processes. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, creating a reflected XSS attack vector. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the plugin processes user-supplied input without proper neutralization, allowing malicious payloads to be executed in the context of the victim's browser. This issue affects all versions of the Listify plugin up to and including version 3.2.5, indicating a widespread exposure across multiple releases.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of input parameters that are directly reflected back to users without proper encoding or validation. When user input is processed and displayed in web pages without appropriate HTML escaping or context-specific sanitization, malicious scripts can be executed in the victim's browser context. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a classic reflected cross-site scripting flaw. The attack typically occurs when a user clicks on a malicious link containing crafted input parameters that are then reflected back by the vulnerable application.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the victim's browser session. An attacker could potentially steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, redirect them to malicious sites, or even deface the website. The reflected nature of this XSS means that the malicious payload is delivered via a crafted URL that, when visited by a victim, executes the script in their browser. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited across multiple users and sessions, potentially compromising user data and application integrity. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the Listify plugin and could be leveraged to undermine the security of WordPress installations using this component.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the plugin's codebase. Developers must ensure all user-supplied input is properly sanitized and encoded before being rendered in web pages, particularly in contexts where HTML content is generated. The recommended approach includes implementing strict input validation, utilizing context-specific output encoding, and employing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit script execution. Additionally, upgrading to the latest version of the Listify plugin where this vulnerability has been patched is essential. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious input patterns. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers the use of malicious content delivery methods, and specifically targets the web application attack surface through reflected XSS exploitation techniques.