CVE-2025-14539
Arbitrary Shortcode Execution in WordPress Shortcode Ajax Plugin
Publication date: 2025-12-13
Last updated on: 2025-12-13
Assigner: Wordfence
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| wordpress | shortcode_ajax_plugin | 1.0 |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| CWE ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-94 | The product constructs all or part of a code segment using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the syntax or behavior of the intended code segment. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
This vulnerability exists in the Shortcode Ajax plugin for WordPress (versions up to and including 1.0). It allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary shortcodes because the plugin does not properly validate input before running the do_shortcode function.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary shortcodes on your WordPress site without authentication, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or information disclosure. This could compromise the integrity and confidentiality of your site.
How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?
You can detect this vulnerability by monitoring POST requests to the WordPress site that target the AJAX handler registered by the Shortcode Ajax plugin, specifically looking for POST requests containing a 'code' parameter that is passed to do_shortcode(). Network monitoring tools or web server logs can be searched for such POST requests. For example, using command-line tools on the server, you can search web server logs for POST requests to the AJAX endpoint with 'code' parameters. A sample grep command might be: grep -i 'POST' /path/to/access.log | grep 'code=' to identify suspicious shortcode execution attempts. Additionally, inspecting AJAX calls in browser developer tools for requests to the plugin's AJAX handler can help detect exploitation attempts. [1]
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
Immediate mitigation steps include disabling or removing the Shortcode Ajax plugin until a patched version is available, restricting access to the AJAX handler to trusted users only, and applying strict input validation or sanitization on the 'code' parameter if you have the capability to modify the plugin code. Additionally, ensure that only authenticated users with proper permissions can trigger shortcode execution via AJAX. Monitoring and blocking suspicious POST requests targeting the plugin's AJAX endpoint can also help reduce risk. [1]