EWWW Image Optimizer vulnerability

The EWWW Image Optimizer plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting via REQUEST_URI Parameter Key in all versions up to, and including, 8.7.7 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that execute if they can successfully trick a user into performing an action such as clicking on a link. Successful exploitation requires that the enable_help option is active, as the vulnerable HelpScout Beacon script block is only emitted when that setting is enabled.

Published 3 Oct 2026Updated 3 Oct 20268 sources
CVSS 6.1

What happened

The EWWW Image Optimizer plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting via REQUEST_URI Parameter Key in all versions up to, and including, 8.7.7 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that execute if they can successfully trick a user into performing an action such as clicking on a link. Successful exploitation requires that the enable_help option is active, as the vulnerable HelpScout Beacon script block is only emitted when that setting is enabled.

Affected versions

EWWW Image Optimizer: 0 through 8.7.7 (semver) Fixed: See vendor advisory.

Why it matters

Review the vendor advisory and exposure of the affected product to determine operational impact.

Detection & mitigation

  • Apply vendor-provided updates or mitigations.
  • Review affected product exposure and access logs.

Public PoC references

No public PoC reference has passed the current publication threshold.