CVE-2026-7441 in Simple Yearly Archive Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/05/2026
The Simple Yearly Archive plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the `posttype` attribute of the `SimpleYearlyArchive` shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 2.2.4 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user supplied attributes. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Contributor-level access 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 • 08/05/2026
The Simple Yearly Archive plugin for WordPress presents a critical stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that affects all versions up to and including 224. This security flaw resides within the plugin's handling of the posttype attribute in the SimpleYearlyArchive shortcode implementation. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms that fail to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied attributes before processing them within the plugin's functionality. Attackers exploiting this weakness can inject malicious scripts that persist within the plugin's data storage, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it allows for long-term persistence of malicious code execution.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically manifesting as a stored XSS flaw where malicious payloads are permanently stored and executed when pages containing the vulnerable shortcode are accessed. The attack vector requires authenticated access with Contributor-level privileges or higher, which represents a significant concern as it allows users who have been granted moderate administrative capabilities to compromise the entire WordPress installation. This privilege level typically includes users who can create and edit posts, upload media files, and modify their own content, making the attack surface more accessible than many other vulnerabilities that require administrator access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it enables attackers to perform a range of malicious activities including session hijacking, data theft, redirection to malicious sites, and potential privilege escalation within the WordPress environment. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that once injected, malicious scripts will execute automatically every time any user accesses pages containing the compromised shortcode, creating a persistent threat that can affect multiple users over extended periods. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous for websites with high user traffic or those hosting sensitive content where unauthorized access could result in significant data breaches or system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate plugin updates to versions that address the input sanitization and output escaping deficiencies, implementing proper content security policies to limit script execution, and conducting thorough security audits of all installed plugins for similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious script injection attempts, while establishing regular monitoring procedures to identify any unauthorized modifications to plugin files or database entries. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1548.002 technique of Abuse Elevation of Privilege, as it allows attackers with limited privileges to escalate their capabilities through persistent script execution within the WordPress environment. Additionally, organizations should implement principle of least privilege access controls and regularly review user permissions to minimize the risk of exploitation by unauthorized personnel.