CVE-2025-26736
📋 TL;DR
This stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the MorningTime Lite WordPress theme allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages that are then executed when other users view those pages. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 1.3.2. WordPress administrators and users who view compromised pages are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- MorningTime Lite WordPress Theme
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could steal administrator session cookies, take over WordPress admin accounts, deface websites, redirect users to malicious sites, or install backdoors for persistent access.
Likely Case
Attackers inject malicious JavaScript to steal user session cookies or credentials, potentially compromising user accounts and enabling further attacks.
If Mitigated
With proper input validation and output encoding, malicious scripts would be neutralized before reaching users, preventing execution.
🎯 Exploit Status
Stored XSS vulnerabilities are commonly exploited. The Patchstack reference provides technical details that could be used to create exploits.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 1.3.2
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Appearance > Themes. 3. Check if MorningTime Lite theme update is available. 4. If update available, click Update Now. 5. If no update available, consider switching to a different theme.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Validation Filter
allAdd custom input validation to sanitize user inputs before processing
Add WordPress sanitization functions like sanitize_text_field() or wp_kses() to theme files where user input is processed
Content Security Policy
allImplement CSP headers to restrict script execution sources
Add to .htaccess: Header set Content-Security-Policy "default-src 'self'; script-src 'self'"
Or use WordPress CSP plugin
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Switch to a different WordPress theme that is actively maintained and secure
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block XSS payloads
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Appearance > Themes > MorningTime Lite version. If version is 1.3.2 or earlier, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
In WordPress admin: Appearance > Themes, or check wp-content/themes/morningtime-lite/style.css for Version: lineVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify theme version is higher than 1.3.2. Test input fields that were vulnerable to ensure they now properly sanitize content.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to theme-related endpoints
- Suspicious JavaScript payloads in request logs
- Multiple failed login attempts following suspicious activity
Network Indicators:
- Malicious script tags in HTTP requests
- Unexpected external script loads from compromised pages
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND ("morningtime" OR "theme") AND ("script" OR "javascript" OR "onload" OR "onerror")