CVE-2026-16747: CWE-74 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection') in Kirki
The Kirki WordPress plugin before 6.2.1 does not properly authorise its front-end form submission REST routes and passes attacker-controlled input through shortcode execution, allowing unauthenticated users to run any shortcode registered on the site, which on a default install leads to disclosure of the site administrator's email address and an arbitrary-recipient mail relay from the victim's domain.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The Kirki WordPress plugin versions prior to 6.2.1 do not properly authorize front-end form submission REST routes. This flaw permits unauthenticated attackers to pass attacker-controlled input through shortcode execution. Because shortcodes can execute arbitrary code or functions, this vulnerability allows attackers to run any shortcode registered on the site. On a default Kirki install, this results in disclosure of the site administrator's email address and enables an arbitrary-recipient mail relay using the victim's domain.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary shortcodes, leading to partial disclosure of sensitive information such as the site administrator's email address. Additionally, it enables attackers to use the victim's domain to relay emails to arbitrary recipients, which can facilitate spam or phishing campaigns. There is no indication of system compromise or denial of service from the provided data.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since the vulnerability affects versions before 6.2.1, upgrading to version 6.2.1 or later is likely recommended once confirmed. Until then, restrict access to REST routes or disable the Kirki plugin if feasible to mitigate risk.
CVE-2026-16747: CWE-74 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection') in Kirki
Description
The Kirki WordPress plugin before 6.2.1 does not properly authorise its front-end form submission REST routes and passes attacker-controlled input through shortcode execution, allowing unauthenticated users to run any shortcode registered on the site, which on a default install leads to disclosure of the site administrator's email address and an arbitrary-recipient mail relay from the victim's domain.
CVSS v3.1
Score 6.5medium
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The Kirki WordPress plugin versions prior to 6.2.1 do not properly authorize front-end form submission REST routes. This flaw permits unauthenticated attackers to pass attacker-controlled input through shortcode execution. Because shortcodes can execute arbitrary code or functions, this vulnerability allows attackers to run any shortcode registered on the site. On a default Kirki install, this results in disclosure of the site administrator's email address and enables an arbitrary-recipient mail relay using the victim's domain.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary shortcodes, leading to partial disclosure of sensitive information such as the site administrator's email address. Additionally, it enables attackers to use the victim's domain to relay emails to arbitrary recipients, which can facilitate spam or phishing campaigns. There is no indication of system compromise or denial of service from the provided data.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Since the vulnerability affects versions before 6.2.1, upgrading to version 6.2.1 or later is likely recommended once confirmed. Until then, restrict access to REST routes or disable the Kirki plugin if feasible to mitigate risk.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- WPScan
- Date Reserved
- 2026-07-23T12:09:27.936Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a7c5c0ebf8831d5397997f3
Added to database: 08/12/2026, 11:42:06 UTC
Last enriched: 08/12/2026, 12:01:32 UTC
Last updated: 08/12/2026, 12:58:44 UTC
Views: 4
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