Unauthenticated Shortcode Execution in MW WP Form

Executive Summary

This vulnerability affects the MW WP Form WordPress plugin versions before 5.1.5. It allows unauthenticated users to execute arbitrary shortcodes by submitting values that are later processed and displayed back to visitors. The issue occurs because the plugin merges user-submitted values into messages without preventing shortcode execution.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Detection Guidance

Check the installed version of the MW WP Form plugin. If it is below 5.1.5, the system is vulnerable. Use WordPress admin panel or run a command like 'wp plugin list' if using WP-CLI to verify the version.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Impact Analysis

An attacker could exploit this to run malicious shortcodes on your site, potentially leading to unauthorized actions, data theft, or further compromise. This requires your site to be configured to echo submitted form values back to users after submission.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could potentially affect compliance with GDPR and HIPAA by allowing unauthorized execution of shortcodes, which may lead to data exfiltration or manipulation. If user-submitted data is echoed back and processed without restrictions, it might expose sensitive information or enable actions that violate data protection requirements.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Mitigation Strategies

Update the MW WP Form plugin to version 5.1.5 or later immediately. Disable the plugin if an update is not possible, and review form configurations to avoid echoing user-submitted values back to visitors.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0