CVE-2026-8042: CWE-79 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') in octalmage Github Shortcode
The Github Shortcode plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'repo' shortcode attribute in the 'github' shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 0.1 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Contributor-level access and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The Github Shortcode WordPress plugin (octalmage) suffers from a stored XSS vulnerability due to improper neutralization of input in the 'repo' shortcode attribute. This allows authenticated contributors or higher to inject arbitrary JavaScript into pages, which executes in the context of users viewing those pages. The vulnerability affects all versions up to 0.1. The CVSS 3.1 score of 6.4 reflects network attack vector, low attack complexity, and privileges required at the contributor level, with no user interaction needed and a scope change. No official patch or fix has been published yet.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an authenticated contributor or higher to inject persistent malicious scripts into WordPress pages via the 'repo' shortcode attribute. These scripts execute in the browsers of users who view the compromised pages, potentially leading to theft of user credentials, session hijacking, or other client-side attacks. The impact is limited by the requirement for contributor-level privileges to inject the payload. There is no indication of denial of service or server-side compromise.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict contributor-level access to trusted users only and consider removing or disabling the Github Shortcode plugin if possible. Monitor for plugin updates from the vendor and apply official patches promptly once released.
CVE-2026-8042: CWE-79 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') in octalmage Github Shortcode
Description
The Github Shortcode plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'repo' shortcode attribute in the 'github' shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 0.1 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Contributor-level access and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.
CVSS v3.1
Score 6.4medium
Affected software
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The Github Shortcode WordPress plugin (octalmage) suffers from a stored XSS vulnerability due to improper neutralization of input in the 'repo' shortcode attribute. This allows authenticated contributors or higher to inject arbitrary JavaScript into pages, which executes in the context of users viewing those pages. The vulnerability affects all versions up to 0.1. The CVSS 3.1 score of 6.4 reflects network attack vector, low attack complexity, and privileges required at the contributor level, with no user interaction needed and a scope change. No official patch or fix has been published yet.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an authenticated contributor or higher to inject persistent malicious scripts into WordPress pages via the 'repo' shortcode attribute. These scripts execute in the browsers of users who view the compromised pages, potentially leading to theft of user credentials, session hijacking, or other client-side attacks. The impact is limited by the requirement for contributor-level privileges to inject the payload. There is no indication of denial of service or server-side compromise.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, restrict contributor-level access to trusted users only and consider removing or disabling the Github Shortcode plugin if possible. Monitor for plugin updates from the vendor and apply official patches promptly once released.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- Wordfence
- Date Reserved
- 2026-05-06T16:19:42.426Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Remediation Level
- null
Threat ID: 6a16a562e29bf47b50a6430e
Added to database: 05/27/2026, 08:03:46 UTC
Last enriched: 05/27/2026, 08:19:08 UTC
Last updated: 07/31/2026, 19:23:00 UTC
Views: 85
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