CVE-2026-2352 Autoptimize <= 3.1.14 - Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via 'ao_post_preload' Meta Value
Authenticated attackers can inject scripts via post meta values in Autoptimize, executing code when image optimization is enabled.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Any signed-in user
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2026-2352?
CVE-2026-2352 is a medium-severity cross-site scripting vulnerability in optimizingmatters Autoptimize, published on 20 Mar 2026. Any signed-in user can exploit it over the network, with no action from the victim.
Official description
The Autoptimize plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'ao_post_preload' meta value in all versions up to, and including, 3.1.14. This is due to insufficient input sanitization in the `ao_metabox_save()` function and missing output escaping when the value is rendered into a `<link>` tag in `autoptimizeImages.php`. 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, granted the "Image optimization" or "Lazy-load images" setting is enabled in the plugin configuration.
Weakness: CWE-79
Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-2352?
How do I fix CVE-2026-2352?
No fix has been published for CVE-2026-2352 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Escape output for the context it lands in and set a strict Content Security Policy. Upgrading the affected component is the real fix. More about Cross-site scripting.
Is CVE-2026-2352 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-2352 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-jph4-mv6f-wg9x.