Autoptimize <= 3.1.14 - Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via 'ao_post_preload' Meta Value
Strategic Overview
<= 3.1.14CVE-2026-2352Vulnerability Overview
The Autoptimize plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'ao_post_preload' meta value in all versions up to, and including, 3.1.14. This is due to insufficient input sanitization in the `ao_metabox_save()` function and missing output escaping when the value is rendered into a `<link>` tag in `autoptimizeImages.php`. 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, granted the "Image optimization" or "Lazy-load images" setting is enabled in the plugin configuration.
Technical Analysis
REMEDIATION: Update to version 3.1.15, or a newer patched version --- IDENTIFIER: CWE-79 (Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')) 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.
External References
Vulnerability data © Defiant, Inc., provided under the Wordfence Intelligence T&C