Simple Download Counter <= 2.3 - Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via 'text' Shortcode Attribute

2026-03-25 00:00
zaim

Strategic Overview

Status
Patched in 2.3.1
Affected Version<= 2.3
CVSS6.4Medium
CVECVE-2026-4278
View all Simple Download Counter vulnerabilities

Vulnerability Overview

The Simple Download Counter plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'sdc_menu' shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 2.3. This is due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied shortcode attributes, specifically the 'text' and 'cat' attributes. The 'text' attribute is output directly into HTML content on line 159 without any escaping (e.g., esc_html()). The 'cat' attribute is used unescaped in HTML class attributes on lines 135 and 157 without esc_attr(). 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.

Technical Analysis

REMEDIATION: Update to version 2.3.1, 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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