CVE-2026-4004
Arbitrary Shortcode Execution in WordPress Task Manager Plugin
Publication date: 2026-03-21
Last updated on: 2026-03-21
Assigner: Wordfence
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| wordfence | task_manager | to 3.0.2 (inc) |
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?
The vulnerability exists in the Task Manager plugin for WordPress, affecting all versions up to and including 3.0.2. It allows authenticated users with Subscriber-level access or higher to execute arbitrary shortcodes on the site. This happens because the 'search' AJAX action lacks proper capability checks in its callback_search() function and does not sufficiently validate input. Specifically, shortcode syntax (square brackets) can bypass the sanitize_text_field() function and be passed into a do_shortcode() call, enabling shortcode injection through parameters like 'task_id', 'point_id', 'categories_id', or 'term'.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
This vulnerability can allow an attacker with low-level authenticated access to execute arbitrary shortcodes on the WordPress site. This could lead to unauthorized actions such as content manipulation, execution of malicious code, or other unintended behaviors depending on the shortcodes available and their effects. It may compromise the integrity and security of the website.
How does this vulnerability affect compliance with common standards and regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA)?:
I don't know
How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?
I don't know
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
I don't know