CVE-2026-96562
Received Received - Intake

Arbitrary Shortcode Execution in Broken Link Checker WordPress Plugin

Publication date: 2026-10-16

Last updated on: 2026-10-16

Assigner: Wordfence

Description
The The Broken Link Checker plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary shortcode execution in all versions up to, and including, 2.4.14.1. This is due to the software allowing users to execute an action that does not properly validate a value before running do_shortcode. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary shortcodes. Exploitation requires that a submitted comment containing the shortcode payload in an href or src attribute is approved through the site's normal comment moderation workflow; once approved, the shortcode is executed automatically via WP-Cron without any further attacker interaction.

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-2026-96562
EUVD
EUVD-2026-102635

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
wpmudev Broken Link Checker 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 Broken Link Checker WordPress plugin allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary shortcodes by submitting a comment with a malicious shortcode payload in an href or src attribute. If the comment is approved, the shortcode executes automatically via WP-Cron without further interaction.

Detection Guidance

Check for the Broken Link Checker plugin in your WordPress installation. Look for unauthorized shortcode execution in comments or posts. Review WP-Cron logs for unexpected shortcode processing.

Impact Analysis

An attacker could exploit this to run unauthorized code on your WordPress site, potentially leading to data theft, defacement, or further compromise of your website or server. It may also allow attackers to perform actions with the same permissions as the WordPress site.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access or data breaches, violating GDPR or HIPAA requirements for data protection and access control. Organizations may face legal penalties, reputational damage, and compliance violations if exploited.

Mitigation Strategies

Update the Broken Link Checker plugin to the latest version. Disable the plugin if not essential. Review and moderate comments before approval. Monitor for unusual shortcode execution in logs.

Chat Assistant

Ask questions about this CVE
Hi! I’m here to help you understand CVE-2026-96562. Ask me anything about the vulnerability, its impact, or mitigation strategies.
0/70

EPSS Chart