The Custom Post Type Date Archives plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary shortcode execution in all versions up to, and including, 2.7.1. This vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary shortcodes due to the software's failure to properly validate user input before executing the do_shortcode function. This significant flaw poses a risk to organizations utilizing this plugin.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.3, indicating a high severity level. The potential for exploitation is heightened, given that the attack vector is network-based, with low complexity and no privileges required for execution. The risk to organizations includes the possibility of unauthorized actions being performed within the WordPress environment, which could lead to further security incidents.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. Affected systems must be updated to a version that addresses this vulnerability to prevent potential exploitation.
Currently, there is no public exploit confirmed for this vulnerability, and it has not been included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. However, the high-risk nature of this flaw necessitates prompt action from security teams.
Organizations are urged to review their use of the Custom Post Type Date Archives plugin and take necessary steps to secure their WordPress installations.
The vulnerability was published on February 22, 2025, and has been classified under CWE-94, which pertains to Code Injection.
In summary, immediate patching and validation of plugin configurations are essential to safeguard WordPress installations against this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
The Custom Post Type Date Archives plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary shortcode execution in all versions up to, and including, 2.7.1. This vulnerability is a result of 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.
The CVSS score is 7.3, indicating high severity. The attack vector is network-based with low complexity, requires no privileges, and does not require user interaction. The potential impacts include low confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the plugin's code. Attackers may leverage this weakness by sending specially crafted requests that manipulate shortcode execution, resulting in unauthorized actions.
The attack vector is via the network, and the attack complexity is low. No privileges are required for exploitation, and user interaction is not necessary. The confidentiality impact is low, as is the integrity impact, while availability is also low due to the nature of the executed shortcodes.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes the potential for unauthorized shortcode execution, leading to further exploitation within the WordPress environment. This could result in data leakage, unauthorized access, or even a complete takeover of the site.
Organizations should assess their exposure to this vulnerability based on their use of the affected plugin. Given the CVSS score of 7.3, organizations are advised to address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle.
With no known exploits currently, there is an opportunity for organizations to secure their systems before potential threats emerge.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected product is the Custom Post Type Date Archives plugin for WordPress, specifically all versions prior to 2.7.2. Organizations should ensure they are using the updated version to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize upgrading the Custom Post Type Date Archives plugin to version 2.7.2 or later to remediate this vulnerability. If immediate patching is not feasible, consider implementing workarounds such as restricting access to the plugin or disabling it until it can be updated.
For ongoing protection, organizations should evaluate their overall WordPress security posture and implement best practices for secure configuration. Regular security assessments, including application security assessments, are recommended to identify and remediate potential weaknesses.
Detection Guidance
Monitor logs for unusual shortcode execution patterns or unauthorized access attempts. Behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected plugin usage or alterations in shortcode outputs, should be investigated. Additionally, organizations should audit their plugin configurations to ensure compliance with security standards.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability lies in its potential to expose WordPress users to various attack vectors. As seen in the past, vulnerabilities in widely-used plugins can lead to widespread exploitation. Organizations must remain vigilant and proactive in their security measures.
Patterns indicate that vulnerabilities of this nature often attract attention from attackers looking to exploit unpatched systems. Security teams should prioritize robust monitoring and rapid response capabilities to mitigate risks.
In conclusion, the strategic takeaway from this incident is the importance of maintaining an up-to-date inventory of all plugins and components within the WordPress ecosystem. Regularly scheduled penetration testing can provide organizations with insights into their security posture and help identify unpatched vulnerabilities.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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