CVE-2026-65534 in Custom links in Image Carousel Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/23/2026
Author Cross Site Scripting (XSS) in Custom links in Elementor Image Carousel <= 1.1.1 versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2026
This vulnerability represents a classic cross site scripting flaw that specifically targets the Elementor image carousel widget functionality in versions up to and including 1.1.1. The issue manifests when custom links are added to carousel items, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject arbitrary javascript code into the page context. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which defines improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically within the context of user-controllable data being rendered without proper sanitization mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs in the custom link fields that contain script payloads, which then execute when users navigate to pages containing the vulnerable carousel elements.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the Elementor plugin's rendering pipeline for image carousel widgets. When administrators configure custom links for carousel items, the plugin fails to properly sanitize or encode user-provided URLs before incorporating them into the generated html markup. This omission allows attackers to inject javascript payloads that can execute in the context of other users visiting pages containing the vulnerable carousel components. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application layer where user input directly influences page generation, making it a prime target for persistent cross site scripting attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, data theft, and redirection to malicious sites. An attacker who gains access to administrative privileges through this vector could potentially modify carousel content to redirect users to phishing pages or extract sensitive information from authenticated sessions. The vulnerability affects all users of the Elementor plugin who have configured custom links in their image carousel widgets, making it a widespread concern across numerous websites and organizations. This weakness also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which describes social engineering methods that leverage web-based attacks to compromise systems.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the Elementor plugin to versions that properly sanitize user input in custom link fields. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms that reject or escape potentially dangerous characters and patterns within URL inputs. Additionally, security headers such as Content Security Policy should be implemented to provide an additional layer of protection against script execution. Regular security audits of plugin configurations and user input handling processes are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and output encoding practices that align with OWASP secure coding guidelines and the principle of least privilege in web application development.