CVE-2026-16495
Deferred Deferred - Pending Action

Stored XSS in Countdown Timer – Widget Countdown WordPress Plugin

Publication date: 2026-10-14

Last updated on: 2026-10-14

Assigner: Wordfence

Description
The Countdown Timer – Widget Countdown plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via 'redirect_url' Shortcode Attribute in all versions up to, and including, 3.0.1 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. 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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Meta Information

Published
2026-10-14
Last Modified
2026-10-14
Generated
2026-10-19
AI Q&A
2026-10-14
EPSS Evaluated
2026-10-18
NVD
CVE-2026-16495
EUVD
EUVD-2026-100788

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
wpdevart Countdown Timer – Widget Countdown 3.0.0

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-79 The product does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes user-controllable input before it is placed in output that is used as a web page that is served to other users.

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Executive Summary

This vulnerability is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) flaw in the Countdown Timer – Widget Countdown WordPress plugin. It allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts via the 'redirect_url' shortcode attribute. The issue arises due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping in versions up to 3.0.1.

Detection Guidance

Check WordPress plugins for 'Countdown Timer – Widget Countdown' versions up to 3.0.1. Inspect pages for injected scripts in 'redirect_url' shortcode attributes. Use security plugins to scan for stored XSS payloads in WordPress content.

Impact Analysis

If exploited, this vulnerability could allow attackers to inject malicious scripts into WordPress pages. When users access these pages, the scripts execute, potentially stealing user data, session cookies, or performing actions on behalf of the user. It requires contributor-level access but can affect all visitors to the compromised site.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to data breaches, compromising user data and violating privacy regulations like GDPR and HIPAA. GDPR requires protecting user data, and a breach could result in fines. HIPAA mandates safeguarding health information, and this flaw could expose such data, leading to compliance violations and legal consequences.

Mitigation Strategies

Update the 'Countdown Timer – Widget Countdown' plugin to the latest version. Remove or disable the plugin if updates are unavailable. Review user roles with contributor access or higher for unauthorized changes.

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