Security Alert Summary
The Advanced Ads WordPress plugin before 2.0.23 does not sanitize and escape a shortcode parameter before output, which allows users with the Contributor role and above to inject arbitrary web scripts. Those scripts can execute when the affected content is viewed, including by higher-privileged users.
CVE Details
- CVE ID:
CVE-2026-10082 - Affected component: Advanced Ads WordPress plugin
- Affected versions: Versions prior to 2.0.23
- Published: July 27, 2026 at 07:16:24 AM UTC
- Last modified: July 27, 2026 at 03:16:46 PM UTC
- CVSS v3.1 base score: 6.1 (MEDIUM)
- CVSS v3.1 vector:
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N - Authentication / privileges / user interaction (from CVSS): Privileges Required: NONE; User Interaction: REQUIRED; Attack Vector: NETWORK; Attack Complexity: LOW; Scope: CHANGED
- Primary impact: Confidentiality: LOW; Integrity: LOW; Availability: NONE
- CWE / weakness: CWE-79 (Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation – Cross-site Scripting)
Technical Details
The plugin fails to properly sanitize and escape a shortcode parameter before outputting it in the page. Because the value is rendered without appropriate output encoding, a user who can create or edit content using that shortcode (the advisory states Contributor role and above) can supply script content that will be included in the page HTML and executed in viewers browsers.
The description does not name specific functions or REST endpoints. The root cause described is missing sanitization/escaping of a shortcode parameter, resulting in cross-site scripting (XSS). The practical impact is execution of arbitrary web scripts in the context of pages where the shortcode appears; such scripts run when the content is viewed by other users, including those with higher privileges.
How This Could Impact Your Website
In a multi-user WordPress site, a contributor or external contractor who can insert or edit content with the affected shortcode could embed script that executes when an editor or administrator views the page. Realistic consequences include exposure of internal user email addresses listed on affected pages or data accessible in the viewer’s browser, and an increased risk of targeted phishing or social engineering against staff whose accounts or sessions are exposed.
If you are unsure whether your site is affected or how to assess your current user roles and plugins, it may be worth having a professional review.
Recommended Actions
- Update the affected plugin as soon as a patched version is available.
- Review and reduce unnecessary user roles and capabilities, especially for contributor-level accounts.
- Enforce strong passwords and two-factor authentication for editors and administrators.
- Remove unused or unmaintained plugins and shortcodes.
- Monitor site activity and audit logs for unusual content changes or unexpected script insertions.
If youd like help reviewing your plugins, user roles, or overall WordPress security posture, our team at Freshy is happy to help.
