Stored Cross-Site Scripting Vulnerability in WP Directory Kit Plugin
CVE-2026-16591

7.2HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor

WordPress
Status
WP Directory Kit
Vendor
CVE Published:
26 September 2026

Badges

👾 Exploit Exists🟡 Public PoC

What is CVE-2026-16591?

The WP Directory Kit plugin for WordPress, up to version 1.5.7, is subject to a vulnerability where it fails to properly sanitize and escape category and location fields. This oversight allows users with specific listing-management roles, who lack the unfiltered_html capability, to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks. Such attacks can lead to malicious scripts being run when visitors access affected pages, potentially compromising user data and affecting site integrity.

Affected Version(s)

WP Directory Kit 0 < 1.5.8

Exploit Proof of Concept (PoC)

PoC code is written by security researchers to demonstrate the vulnerability can be exploited. PoC code is also a key component for weaponization which could lead to ransomware.

CVE-2026-16591 - Proof of Concept

References

https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/7b5600f1-1024-4329-97de-...
exploitvdb-entrytechnical-description

CVSS V3.1

Score:
7.2
Severity:
HIGH
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
High
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Network
Attack Complexity:
Low
Privileges Required:
High
User Interaction:
None
Scope:
Unchanged

Timeline

  • 🟡

    Public PoC available

  • 👾

    Exploit known to exist

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

Credit

Yaswanth Reddy Sunkara
WPScan
.