PatchTheCVECVE-2026-116520: The PPWP – Password Protect Pages plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'c
CVE-2026-116520 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting affected software. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.
The PPWP – Password Protect Pages plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'comment / shortcode attribute desc_below_form (and placeholder as the marker-smuggling helper)' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 1.9.26 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user ac
Why this priority
- High severity
- Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.
Risk facts
| CVSS score | 7.2 (High) |
| Attack vector | Network (remote) |
| Attack complexity | Low |
| Privileges needed | None |
| User interaction | None |
| EPSS exploit chance | n/a |
| CISA exploited list | No |
| Weakness | CWE-79 |
| Published | 2026-10-31 |
| Last modified | 2026-10-31 |
Last updated 2026-10-31 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score
Timeline
- Published CVE record published
- Updated Record last modified
Advisories and coverage
Research and news
- Vulners Bulletins: CVE-2026-116520 PPWP <= 1.9.26 - Unauthenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting via '[ppwp]' Shortcode 'desc_below_form' Attribute via Placehol 2026-10-31
- Vulners Bulletins: CVE-2026-116520 PPWP <= 1.9.26 - Unauthenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting via '[ppwp]' Shortcode 'desc_below_form' Attribute via Placehol 2026-10-31
- VulDB Recent Entries: CVE-2026-116520 | buildwps PPWP Plugin up to 1.9.26 on WordPress Shortcode desc_below_form cross site scripting 2026-10-31
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-2026-116520?
No fixed release is listed yet. Watch the vendor advisory and apply any mitigation shown on this page.
Is CVE-2026-116520 being exploited?
CVE-2026-116520 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-2026-116520 affect?
CVE-2026-116520 affects affected software. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). The PPWP – Password Protect Pages plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'comment / shortcode attribute desc_below_form (and placeholder as the marker-smuggling helper)' parameter in all versions up to, an
How urgent is CVE-2026-116520?
Priority 30/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action