CVE-2026-2595: CWE-79 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') in wpquads Quads Ads Manager for Google AdSense
CVE-2026-2595 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Quads Ads Manager for Google AdSense WordPress plugin, affecting all versions up to 2. 0. 98. 1. Authenticated users with Contributor-level access or higher can inject malicious scripts via insufficiently sanitized ad metadata parameters. These scripts execute when any user views the compromised page, potentially leading to session hijacking, defacement, or other malicious actions. The vulnerability requires user interaction (visiting the injected page) and privileges above a basic subscriber. The CVSS score is 5. 4 (medium severity), reflecting the moderate impact and ease of exploitation within an authenticated context. No known public exploits have been reported yet.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-2595 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Quads Ads Manager for Google AdSense plugin for WordPress, affecting all versions up to and including 2.0.98.1. The root cause is improper neutralization of input during web page generation (CWE-79), where multiple ad metadata parameters are not adequately sanitized or escaped before being rendered on pages. This flaw allows authenticated attackers with Contributor-level or higher privileges to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages managed by the plugin. When other users access these pages, the injected scripts execute in their browsers, potentially compromising session tokens, redirecting users, or performing actions on behalf of the victim. The vulnerability requires authentication and user interaction but does not require administrative privileges, broadening the attack surface within WordPress sites using this plugin. The CVSS 3.1 score of 5.4 reflects a medium severity, with network attack vector, low attack complexity, and partial confidentiality and integrity impact but no availability impact. No public exploits are currently known, but the vulnerability's presence in a widely used WordPress plugin makes it a significant risk if left unaddressed. The lack of official patches at the time of publication necessitates immediate attention from site administrators.
Potential Impact
The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized script execution in the context of affected WordPress sites, potentially resulting in session hijacking, theft of sensitive user information, defacement, or redirection to malicious sites. Since the attacker needs only Contributor-level access, a compromised or malicious user account can escalate the impact. This can undermine user trust, damage brand reputation, and lead to data breaches or further compromise of the site infrastructure. For organizations relying on the Quads Ads Manager plugin, especially those with high traffic or sensitive user data, the risk includes exposure of confidential information and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability does not affect availability but compromises confidentiality and integrity, which can have severe consequences depending on the site's role and data sensitivity.
Mitigation Recommendations
Organizations should immediately verify the plugin version and upgrade to a patched release once available. Until a patch is released, restrict Contributor-level and higher privileges to trusted users only and audit existing user accounts for suspicious activity. Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious input patterns related to ad metadata parameters. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts. Regularly monitor logs for unusual behavior or injection attempts. Additionally, sanitize and validate all user inputs at the application level, and consider disabling or replacing the vulnerable plugin if immediate patching is not feasible. Educate site administrators and users about the risks of XSS and the importance of least privilege principles.
Affected Countries
United States, Germany, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France, India, Brazil, Japan, Netherlands, Italy, Spain
CVE-2026-2595: CWE-79 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') in wpquads Quads Ads Manager for Google AdSense
Description
CVE-2026-2595 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Quads Ads Manager for Google AdSense WordPress plugin, affecting all versions up to 2. 0. 98. 1. Authenticated users with Contributor-level access or higher can inject malicious scripts via insufficiently sanitized ad metadata parameters. These scripts execute when any user views the compromised page, potentially leading to session hijacking, defacement, or other malicious actions. The vulnerability requires user interaction (visiting the injected page) and privileges above a basic subscriber. The CVSS score is 5. 4 (medium severity), reflecting the moderate impact and ease of exploitation within an authenticated context. No known public exploits have been reported yet.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-2595 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Quads Ads Manager for Google AdSense plugin for WordPress, affecting all versions up to and including 2.0.98.1. The root cause is improper neutralization of input during web page generation (CWE-79), where multiple ad metadata parameters are not adequately sanitized or escaped before being rendered on pages. This flaw allows authenticated attackers with Contributor-level or higher privileges to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages managed by the plugin. When other users access these pages, the injected scripts execute in their browsers, potentially compromising session tokens, redirecting users, or performing actions on behalf of the victim. The vulnerability requires authentication and user interaction but does not require administrative privileges, broadening the attack surface within WordPress sites using this plugin. The CVSS 3.1 score of 5.4 reflects a medium severity, with network attack vector, low attack complexity, and partial confidentiality and integrity impact but no availability impact. No public exploits are currently known, but the vulnerability's presence in a widely used WordPress plugin makes it a significant risk if left unaddressed. The lack of official patches at the time of publication necessitates immediate attention from site administrators.
Potential Impact
The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized script execution in the context of affected WordPress sites, potentially resulting in session hijacking, theft of sensitive user information, defacement, or redirection to malicious sites. Since the attacker needs only Contributor-level access, a compromised or malicious user account can escalate the impact. This can undermine user trust, damage brand reputation, and lead to data breaches or further compromise of the site infrastructure. For organizations relying on the Quads Ads Manager plugin, especially those with high traffic or sensitive user data, the risk includes exposure of confidential information and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability does not affect availability but compromises confidentiality and integrity, which can have severe consequences depending on the site's role and data sensitivity.
Mitigation Recommendations
Organizations should immediately verify the plugin version and upgrade to a patched release once available. Until a patch is released, restrict Contributor-level and higher privileges to trusted users only and audit existing user accounts for suspicious activity. Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious input patterns related to ad metadata parameters. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts. Regularly monitor logs for unusual behavior or injection attempts. Additionally, sanitize and validate all user inputs at the application level, and consider disabling or replacing the vulnerable plugin if immediate patching is not feasible. Educate site administrators and users about the risks of XSS and the importance of least privilege principles.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- Wordfence
- Date Reserved
- 2026-02-16T18:01:13.270Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 69c7bd322b68dbd88eeee801
Added to database: 3/28/2026, 11:36:18 AM
Last enriched: 3/28/2026, 11:50:59 AM
Last updated: 3/28/2026, 12:37:24 PM
Views: 4
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