Code Embed <= 2.5.1 - Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Custom Fields

2026-03-17 00:00
Muhammad Yudha - DJ

Strategic Overview

Status
Patched in 2.5.2
Affected PluginCode Embed
Affected Version<= 2.5.1
CVSS6.4Medium
CVECVE-2026-2512
View all Code Embed vulnerabilities

Vulnerability Overview

The Code Embed plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via custom field meta values in all versions up to, and including, 2.5.1. This is due to the plugin's sanitization function `sec_check_post_fields()` only running on the `save_post` hook, while WordPress allows custom fields to be added via the `wp_ajax_add_meta` AJAX endpoint without triggering `save_post`. The `ce_filter()` function then outputs these unsanitized meta values directly into page content without 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.

Technical Analysis

REMEDIATION: Update to version 2.5.2, 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