CVE-2026-104003
Received Received - Intake

Arbitrary Shortcode Execution in WP User Avatar Plugin

Publication date: 2026-10-16

Last updated on: 2026-10-16

Assigner: Wordfence

Description
The WP User Avatar / ProfilePress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Arbitrary Shortcode Execution in versions up to, and including, 4.17.5. This is due to the get_user_profile_structure() function assembling the front-end profile buffer — which includes raw comment excerpts inlined by author_comment_query() — and passing the entire buffer to do_shortcode() after only a narrow neutralization pass (ppress_neutralize_buffer_shortcodes) that blocks pp-custom-html and bracket fragments containing HTML delimiters but leaves any other well-formed shortcode intact. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to inject arbitrary shortcodes (from any active plugin or theme) with attacker-chosen attributes by posting a comment whose body contains the shortcode markup; the shortcode is then executed server-side when any visitor loads the target's front-end profile Comments tab, letting the attacker reach capability-gated or data-returning shortcodes and inject raw HTML markup into a publicly viewable page.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

Probability:
Percentile:

Meta Information

Published
2026-10-16
Last Modified
2026-10-16
Generated
2026-10-16
AI Q&A
2026-10-16
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2026-104003
EUVD
EUVD-2026-102825

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
properfraction Paid Membership Plugin, Ecommerce, User Registration Form, Login Form, User Profile & Restrict Content – ProfilePress 0

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
CWE Icon
KEV
KEV Icon
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 Quick Actions

Instant insights powered by AI
Executive Summary

This vulnerability in the WP User Avatar / ProfilePress WordPress plugin allows authenticated attackers with Subscriber-level access or higher to inject arbitrary shortcodes into comments. These shortcodes are then executed server-side when a visitor loads the target's front-end profile Comments tab, potentially allowing the attacker to inject raw HTML markup into a publicly viewable page.

Detection Guidance

Check for unauthorized shortcode execution in user comments or profile pages. Inspect WordPress comment excerpts and profile content for unexpected shortcode tags. Review server logs for unusual shortcode-related activity during page loads.

Impact Analysis

An attacker could exploit this to inject malicious shortcodes that execute unintended actions, such as stealing data, defacing pages, or redirecting users. Since the shortcode executes when a profile page is viewed, any visitor could be affected. The impact includes unauthorized data exposure, compromised user sessions, or altered website content.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to violations of GDPR or HIPAA by enabling unauthorized data access or disclosure. If exploited, it may result in the exposure of sensitive user data, breaching confidentiality requirements. Compliance failures could lead to legal penalties, reputational damage, and loss of trust.

Mitigation Strategies

Update the ProfilePress plugin to the latest patched version immediately. If updating is not possible, disable the plugin temporarily. Review and remove suspicious comments containing shortcode markup. Monitor user profiles for unauthorized content changes.

Chat Assistant

Ask questions about this CVE
Hi! I’m here to help you understand CVE-2026-104003. Ask me anything about the vulnerability, its impact, or mitigation strategies.
0/70

EPSS Chart