CVE-2026-7209
Stored XSS in Simple Link Directory WordPress Plugin
Publication date: 2026-05-02
Last updated on: 2026-05-05
Assigner: Wordfence
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| wordpressextensions | simple_link_directory | to 8.9.2 (inc) |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| 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. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
The Simple Link Directory plugin for WordPress has a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in its `qcopd-directory` shortcode in all versions up to and including 8.9.2.
This vulnerability arises because the plugin does not properly sanitize or escape user-supplied attributes such as `title_font_size`.
As a result, authenticated users with contributor-level access or higher can inject malicious scripts into pages, which will execute whenever any user views those pages.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
This vulnerability can allow an attacker with contributor-level access or above to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages on your WordPress site.
These scripts will execute in the browsers of users who visit the affected pages, potentially leading to theft of user credentials, session hijacking, defacement, or distribution of malware.
Because the vulnerability requires authenticated access, it primarily impacts sites where contributors or higher roles are granted to users who might be untrusted or compromised.
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
To mitigate the Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability in the Simple Link Directory plugin, you should immediately update the plugin to a version later than 8.9.2 where the issue is fixed.
Additionally, restrict contributor-level access or higher to trusted users only, as the vulnerability requires authenticated users with contributor-level access or above to exploit.
Consider implementing web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block malicious scripts targeting the vulnerable shortcode attributes.
How does this vulnerability affect compliance with common standards and regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA)?:
The vulnerability in the Simple Link Directory plugin allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access to inject arbitrary web scripts via stored cross-site scripting (XSS). This can lead to unauthorized script execution when users access the affected pages.
Such a vulnerability can potentially impact compliance with standards like GDPR and HIPAA because it may lead to unauthorized access or exposure of personal or sensitive data through malicious scripts. Stored XSS can be exploited to steal user credentials, session tokens, or other sensitive information, which would violate data protection requirements.
Therefore, organizations using this plugin without patching the vulnerability risk non-compliance with data protection regulations that mandate safeguarding user data against unauthorized access and ensuring secure handling of personal information.