CVE-2026-90992 in Redux Framework Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/01/2026
The Redux Framework plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via User Meta Merge via 'user-mediaurl' Media Field in all versions up to, and including, 4.5.14 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page. This is exploitable by Subscriber-level users who can store a payload in user meta fields such as the biography, session_tokens (via a crafted User-Agent at login), or persisted_preferences (via the REST API), which are then promoted to the site-wide redux_demo option when a media URL repair is triggered on the demo panel.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2026
The Redux Framework plugin for WordPress contains a critical stored cross-site scripting vulnerability affecting all versions up to and including 4.5.14. This flaw stems from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms within the user-mediaurl media field processing logic. The vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with Subscriber-level access or higher to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages that are subsequently executed when other users view those specific pages. While a lower privilege level is required for exploitation, the impact can be significant depending on the context in which the injected script executes and the sensitivity of the data accessible by victims viewing the compromised content.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the manipulation of user meta fields that are later promoted to site-wide options during specific administrative or diagnostic operations. Specifically, attackers can store malicious payloads in various user metadata attributes such as the biography field, session tokens via a crafted User-Agent header during login, or persisted preferences accessed through the REST API. When an administrator or system process triggers a media URL repair on the demo panel of the Redux Framework, these tainted meta fields are merged and saved into the redux_demo option without proper validation. This process effectively elevates user-level data to a global configuration state where it is rendered unsanitized in subsequent page loads.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables persistent code execution within the context of trusted WordPress pages. An attacker can craft payloads that steal session cookies, perform actions on behalf of authenticated users, or redirect victims to malicious external sites. Because the payload is stored server-side and triggered by legitimate administrative processes like media URL repairs, it bypasses many client-side security controls and persists until manually removed from the database. The ability to inject scripts via REST API endpoints further expands the attack surface, allowing exploitation even if direct access to user profile editing interfaces is restricted or monitored.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which classifies improper neutralization of input during web page generation as a common cause for cross-site scripting flaws. Additionally, it maps to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1059, specifically sub-techniques involving command and script interpreters such as JavaScript execution within browser contexts. The exploitation path also reflects aspects of CWE-602, client-side injection into web applications, due to the reliance on user-controlled input being rendered without adequate sanitization in a dynamic content environment.
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should immediately update the Redux Framework plugin to version 4.5.15 or later where these issues have been addressed through enhanced input validation and strict output escaping protocols. Until an upgrade is feasible, administrators can implement temporary controls by restricting access to user meta editing capabilities for lower-privilege roles and disabling the demo panel functionality if it is not essential to operations. Web Application Firewalls may also be configured to detect and block requests containing suspicious patterns in User-Agent headers or REST API payloads associated with this specific exploitation vector. Regular auditing of database options like redux_demo can help identify any residual malicious data that might have been injected prior to remediation.