CVE-2026-0815 identifies a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Category Image plugin for WordPress, developed by pankajanupam. The flaw exists in all versions up to and including 2.0 due to insufficient sanitization and escaping of the 'tag-image' parameter. This parameter is used during web page generation, and because input is not properly neutralized, an authenticated attacker with Editor-level or higher privileges can inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages. When other users view these pages, the injected scripts execute in their browsers, potentially compromising session tokens, cookies, or enabling further attacks such as privilege escalation or defacement. The vulnerability requires authenticated access with elevated privileges, which limits the attack surface but still poses a significant risk in environments where multiple users have such roles. The CVSS 3.1 score of 4.4 reflects a medium severity, with network attack vector, high attack complexity, and privileges required. No patches or known exploits are currently available, indicating the need for proactive mitigation. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, a common and dangerous web application security issue. Given WordPress's widespread use in Europe, especially for content management and e-commerce, this vulnerability could be leveraged to compromise websites and their users.

For European organizations, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized script execution on WordPress sites, resulting in session hijacking, data theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of legitimate users. This is particularly concerning for organizations relying on WordPress for customer-facing websites, intranets, or portals where users have Editor or higher privileges. Attackers exploiting this flaw could manipulate content, redirect users to malicious sites, or steal sensitive information. The impact extends to brand reputation damage, regulatory compliance issues under GDPR if personal data is compromised, and potential financial losses. Since the vulnerability requires authenticated access with elevated privileges, insider threats or compromised accounts pose the greatest risk. Organizations with multiple editors or contributors are more vulnerable. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate it, as attackers may develop exploits once the vulnerability is publicly known. The medium severity rating suggests moderate impact but should not be underestimated given the potential for chained attacks.

European organizations should immediately audit WordPress installations to identify the presence of the Category Image plugin and verify its version. Since no official patches are currently available, temporary mitigations include restricting Editor-level and higher privileges to trusted users only and implementing strict user access controls. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious payloads targeting the 'tag-image' parameter. Conduct regular security training for content editors to recognize phishing or social engineering attempts that could lead to account compromise. Monitor logs for unusual activity related to plugin usage or page edits. Consider disabling or removing the plugin if it is not essential. Once a patch is released, prioritize immediate application. Additionally, implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the impact of potential XSS attacks by restricting script execution sources. Regularly update WordPress core and all plugins to minimize exposure to known vulnerabilities.