Media Library Assistant gallery links permit contributor stored XSS

Media Library Assistant through 3.35 accepts a Contributor-controlled mla_link_href value in the mla_gallery shortcode when mla_output is paginate_links. _paginate_links() passes the value through mla_process_shortcode_parameter() and _replace_query_parameter(), then emits it in href attributes without esc_url(). The stored payload executes when a user views the affected page.

CVE / CNA score 6.4 CVSS 3.1 · security@wordfence.com

NVD score Pending NVD has not published its own CVSS assessment.

Component: Media Library Assistant
Plugin slug: media-library-assistant
Affected: <= 3.35
Safe version: See mitigation notes
Published: Sep 11, 2026
Weakness: CWE-79 — Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')

This CVE was published Sep 11, 2026 and is one of 40 known issues for this plugin.

What to do

Update, patch or deactivate.

The authoritative export does not identify the first fixed release. Obtain a vendor-confirmed update after 3.35 and review Contributor-authored mla_gallery shortcodes. The application-level fix must validate mla_link_href as an allowed URL and apply esc_url() at every href output boundary.

No confirmed safe version is listed. Consider a vendor-supported patch or temporarily restricting the affected functionality while you assess the risk.

Deactivate only when warranted by your risk profile, or when advised by your hosting provider in the limited circumstances where the vulnerability cannot otherwise be mitigated. If you’re unsure which action is appropriate, contact Fused or your hosting provider for guidance.

Source record

Technical description

The Media Library Assistant plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'mla_gallery' shortcode in versions up to and including 3.35. This is due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on the mla_link_href parameter when mla_output is set to 'paginate_links', where the _paginate_links() function processes the value through mla_process_shortcode_parameter() and _replace_query_parameter() without proper URL escaping, then outputs it directly in href attributes without applying esc_url(). 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.

CVE / CNA vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N

References

Primary and upstream sources

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