CVE-2026-16654
Deferred Deferred - Pending Action

Stored XSS in Avada Builder WordPress Plugin

Publication date: 2026-08-28

Last updated on: 2026-08-28

Assigner: Wordfence

Description
The Avada (Fusion) Builder plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via 'size' Shortcode Attribute in all versions up to, and including, 3.15.6 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. WordPress's wp_kses_post filter does not neutralize the payload because the injected content resides entirely within a shortcode attribute string containing no HTML angle brackets, causing kses to pass it through unchanged at save time.

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Meta Information

Published
2026-08-28
Last Modified
2026-08-28
Generated
2026-09-17
AI Q&A
2026-08-28
EPSS Evaluated
2026-09-15
NVD
CVE-2026-16654
EUVD
EUVD-2026-67409

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
fusion_builder avada_builder to 3.15.6 (inc)

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

The Avada (Fusion) Builder plugin for WordPress has a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping in the 'size' shortcode attribute. This allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts into pages. The scripts execute when users access the infected pages because WordPress's wp_kses_post filter fails to neutralize the payload in the shortcode attribute.

Detection Guidance

Check for the presence of the Avada (Fusion) Builder plugin versions up to 3.15.6. Inspect WordPress sites for injected scripts in pages using the 'size' shortcode attribute. Review user roles with contributor-level access or higher for unauthorized changes.

Impact Analysis

If exploited, this vulnerability could allow attackers to steal user sessions, deface websites, or redirect visitors to malicious sites. Users with contributor-level access or higher could compromise the site's integrity and confidentiality. The impact depends on the attacker's goals and the site's user base.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to data breaches, exposing user data and violating privacy regulations like GDPR or HIPAA. Non-compliance may result in legal penalties, reputational damage, and loss of trust. Organizations must address this to maintain regulatory compliance and protect sensitive data.

Mitigation Strategies

Update the Avada (Fusion) Builder plugin to the latest version. Remove any suspicious scripts from pages. Restrict contributor-level access to trusted users. Monitor for unusual activity in WordPress admin logs.

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