CVE-2026-16788
Received Received - Intake

Stored Cross-Site Scripting in Live Composer WordPress Plugin

Publication date: 2026-09-01

Last updated on: 2026-09-01

Assigner: Wordfence

Description
The Live Composer – Free WordPress Website Builder plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via dslc_module_projects_output Shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 2.1.19 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 shortcode-aware kses handling preserves the serialized shortcode body as a placeholder before content filtering runs, allowing attacker-controlled values such as view_all_link, main_heading_link_title, main_filter_title_all, and button_text to reach render-time sinks entirely unescaped.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

Probability:
Percentile:

Meta Information

Published
2026-09-01
Last Modified
2026-09-01
Generated
2026-09-01
AI Q&A
2026-09-01
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-16788
EUVD
EUVD-2026-68999

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
live_composer free_wordpress_website_builder to 2.1.19 (inc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
CWE Icon
KEV
KEV Icon
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 Quick Actions

Instant insights powered by AI
Executive Summary

This vulnerability is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue in the Live Composer WordPress plugin. It allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts via the dslc_module_projects_output shortcode. The flaw exists due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts when users access infected pages.

Detection Guidance

To detect this vulnerability, inspect WordPress sites using the Live Composer plugin for versions up to 2.1.19. Check for unauthorized use of the dslc_module_projects_output shortcode with suspicious parameters like view_all_link or button_text. Review server logs for unusual script injections in pages.

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, while visitors may have their data exposed or be subjected to phishing attacks.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to non-compliance with GDPR or HIPAA by exposing user data through XSS attacks. GDPR requires protecting personal data, while HIPAA mandates safeguarding health information. A successful exploit may result in data breaches, triggering regulatory penalties and legal consequences.

Mitigation Strategies

Update the Live Composer plugin to the latest version beyond 2.1.19 to patch the vulnerability. Remove or disable the plugin if updates are unavailable. Review user roles with contributor access or higher for unnecessary permissions.

Chat Assistant

Ask questions about this CVE
Hi! I’m here to help you understand CVE-2026-16788. Ask me anything about the vulnerability, its impact, or mitigation strategies.
0/70

EPSS Chart