Autoptimize <= 3.1.14 - Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via 'ao_post_preload' Meta Value

2026-03-20 00:00
bashu

Strategic Overview

Status
Patched in 3.1.15
Affected PluginAutoptimize
Affected Version<= 3.1.14
CVSS6.4Medium
CVECVE-2026-2352
View all Autoptimize vulnerabilities

Vulnerability 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

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