CVE-2026-16974
Received Received - Intake

Stored XSS in Kirki Page Builder WordPress Plugin

Publication date: 2026-08-11

Last updated on: 2026-08-11

Assigner: Wordfence

Description
The Kirki – Freeform Page Builder, Website Builder & Customizer plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the post_meta Shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 6.2.0 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
2026-08-11
Last Modified
2026-08-11
Generated
2026-08-11
AI Q&A
2026-08-11
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-16974
EUVD
EUVD-2026-55934

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
kirki freeform_page_builder to 6.2.0 (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

This vulnerability is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) flaw in the Kirki plugin for WordPress. It allows authenticated attackers with Contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts into web pages via the post_meta Shortcode. The issue arises from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping, enabling arbitrary code execution when users view the affected pages.

Detection Guidance

To detect this vulnerability, inspect WordPress sites using the Kirki plugin version 6.2.0 or lower. Check for unauthorized post_meta shortcode usage in pages or posts. Review user roles with Contributor access or higher for suspicious activity.

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 site integrity, affecting both administrators and regular visitors.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to data breaches, violating GDPR by exposing user data or HIPAA by compromising protected health information. Non-compliance may result in legal penalties, reputational damage, and loss of trust.

Mitigation Strategies

Immediately update the Kirki plugin to the latest version. Remove any untrusted user roles with Contributor access or higher if they are not necessary. Scan all pages and posts for injected scripts in post_meta shortcodes.

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