CVE-2023-6987: The String locator plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting via the 'sql-column' p

Q: How do I fix CVE-2023-6987?

string locator: upgrade to 2.6.6. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2023-6987 being exploited?

CVE-2023-6987 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2023-6987 affect?

CVE-2023-6987 affects string locator. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.1). The String locator plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting via the 'sql-column' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 2.6.5 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it pos

Q: How urgent is CVE-2023-6987?

Priority 27/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Routine

MEDIUM 6.1UPGRADE

CVE-2023-6987 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.1) affecting string locator. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The String locator plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting via the 'sql-column' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 2.6.5 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that execute if they can successfully trick a user into performing an action such as clicking on a link. This required WP_DEBUG to be

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.1 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 76%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-79
Published	2024-08-24
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Wordfence · Vendor: instawp

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2024-08-24 02:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 06:51 UTCUpdated Record last modified

instawp string locator UPGRADE

Affected: < 2.6.6

Fixed in: 2.6.6

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy string-locator || rpm -q string-locator || string-locator --version

2. UPGRADE to 2.6.6 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade string-locator

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade string-locator

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2023-6987?

string locator: upgrade to 2.6.6. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2023-6987 being exploited?

CVE-2023-6987 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2023-6987 affect?

CVE-2023-6987 affects string locator. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.1). The String locator plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting via the 'sql-column' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 2.6.5 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it pos

How urgent is CVE-2023-6987?

Priority 27/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Software pages

WordPress vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

CVE-2024-10936 HIGH 8.8 UPGRADE The String locator plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to PHP Object Injection in all versions up to, and inclu

References

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