W3 Total Cache comment processing permits unauthenticated stored XSS

W3 Total Cache through 2.10.5 can transform malicious comment content into executable script when Lazy Load Images and the non-default Process background images option are enabled. An unauthenticated commenter supplies the content; where moderation is enabled, execution begins after a moderator approves the comment and a visitor opens the affected page.

CVE / CNA score 7.2 CVSS 3.1 · security@wordfence.com

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

Component: W3 Total Cache
Plugin slug: w3-total-cache
Affected: <= 2.10.5
Safe version: See mitigation notes
Published: Sep 05, 2026
Weakness: CWE-79 — Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')

This CVE was published Sep 05, 2026 and is one of 23 known issues for this plugin.

What to do

Update, patch or deactivate.

Version 2.10.6 is available and may resolve the issue, but its official changelog does not confirm this CVE. Update conservatively, disable background-image processing until remediation is confirmed, and remove malicious comments before privileged users view affected pages.

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 W3 Total Cache plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Comment Content via LazyLoad Background Mutator in all versions up to, and including, 2.10.5 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page. This requires the "Lazy Load Images" feature with "Process background images" to be enabled, and the malicious comment to be approved by a moderator before execution is triggered.

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

References

Primary and upstream sources

Data attribution: This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD.

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