CVE-2026-19985: CWE-79 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') in comesio Relevanssi – A Better Search
The Relevanssi – A Better Search WordPress plugin is vulnerable to reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) in versions up to and including 4.28.1. The vulnerability arises from insufficient sanitization and escaping of user input in the relevanssi_debug_array() function, which outputs user-controlled data inside a <pre> block without HTML escaping. This debug output can be triggered by setting the relevanssi_debug=on parameter when debugging mode is enabled by an administrator. There is no nonce, capability, or logged-in user check protecting this debug path, allowing unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute if a victim clicks a crafted link.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-19985 is a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability in the Relevanssi – A Better Search WordPress plugin affecting versions up to 4.28.1. The flaw exists in the relevanssi_debug_array() function in lib/debug.php, which prints user-supplied query parameters ('s', 'post_types', 'orderby') inside a <pre> block without proper HTML escaping. The debug output is enabled by the relevanssi_debug=on request parameter when the administrator has enabled debugging mode. The debug gate lacks nonce verification, capability checks, or login requirements, enabling unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary scripts that execute in the context of users who visit a crafted URL.
Potential Impact
An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability to conduct reflected cross-site scripting attacks by tricking users into clicking malicious links. Successful exploitation can lead to the execution of arbitrary scripts in the victim's browser, potentially resulting in information disclosure, session hijacking, or other client-side impacts. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.1 (medium severity), reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction required, and partial confidentiality and integrity impact.
Mitigation Recommendations
No patch or official fix is currently indicated in the provided data. Administrators should disable debugging mode in the Relevanssi plugin to prevent exposure of the vulnerable debug output. Avoid enabling the relevanssi_debug=on parameter on production sites or restrict access to trusted users only. Monitor vendor advisories for updates or patches addressing this vulnerability.
CVE-2026-19985: CWE-79 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') in comesio Relevanssi – A Better Search
Description
The Relevanssi – A Better Search WordPress plugin is vulnerable to reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) in versions up to and including 4.28.1. The vulnerability arises from insufficient sanitization and escaping of user input in the relevanssi_debug_array() function, which outputs user-controlled data inside a <pre> block without HTML escaping. This debug output can be triggered by setting the relevanssi_debug=on parameter when debugging mode is enabled by an administrator. There is no nonce, capability, or logged-in user check protecting this debug path, allowing unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute if a victim clicks a crafted link.
CVSS v3.1
Score 6.1medium
Affected software
comesio
Relevanssi – A Better Search
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-19985 is a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability in the Relevanssi – A Better Search WordPress plugin affecting versions up to 4.28.1. The flaw exists in the relevanssi_debug_array() function in lib/debug.php, which prints user-supplied query parameters ('s', 'post_types', 'orderby') inside a <pre> block without proper HTML escaping. The debug output is enabled by the relevanssi_debug=on request parameter when the administrator has enabled debugging mode. The debug gate lacks nonce verification, capability checks, or login requirements, enabling unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary scripts that execute in the context of users who visit a crafted URL.
Potential Impact
An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability to conduct reflected cross-site scripting attacks by tricking users into clicking malicious links. Successful exploitation can lead to the execution of arbitrary scripts in the victim's browser, potentially resulting in information disclosure, session hijacking, or other client-side impacts. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.1 (medium severity), reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction required, and partial confidentiality and integrity impact.
Mitigation Recommendations
No patch or official fix is currently indicated in the provided data. Administrators should disable debugging mode in the Relevanssi plugin to prevent exposure of the vulnerable debug output. Avoid enabling the relevanssi_debug=on parameter on production sites or restrict access to trusted users only. Monitor vendor advisories for updates or patches addressing this vulnerability.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- Wordfence
- Date Reserved
- 2026-08-16T13:53:20.548Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6aa379d691cc7f38489ada3b
Added to database: 09/11/2026, 03:47:34 UTC
Last enriched: 09/11/2026, 04:02:58 UTC
Last updated: 09/11/2026, 04:39:05 UTC
Views: 6
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