CVE-2017-18580 in shortcodes-ultimate Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The shortcodes-ultimate plugin before 5.0.1 for WordPress has remote code execution via a filter in a meta, post, or user shortcode.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2023
The CVE-2017-18580 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw discovered in the shortcodes-ultimate WordPress plugin prior to version 5.0.1. This vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of meta, post, and user shortcodes, creating a dangerous attack vector that allows remote adversaries to execute arbitrary code on affected WordPress installations. The issue stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the plugin's shortcode processing mechanisms, which fail to adequately filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into the system's execution flow.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted filter parameter within the meta, post, or user shortcode implementations. When WordPress processes these shortcodes, the plugin fails to properly sanitize or validate the filter input, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code that gets executed within the web server context. This flaw directly maps to CWE-94, which describes improper control of generation of code, and specifically aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection. The vulnerability's impact is amplified because it operates at the WordPress plugin level, where the executed code runs with the privileges of the web server process, potentially enabling full system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-18580 extends far beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to affected systems. Once exploited, malicious actors can establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify content, or use the compromised installation as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects all WordPress installations using the shortcodes-ultimate plugin version 5.0.0 or earlier, making it particularly dangerous given the plugin's widespread adoption. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can leverage this vulnerability without requiring physical access to the server or prior authentication, significantly expanding the attack surface and potential damage scope.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-18580 primarily focus on immediate plugin updates to version 5.0.1 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the input validation flaws. Security administrators should also implement network-level protections including web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious shortcode parameter patterns, and monitor for unusual code execution activities. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that WordPress installations run with minimal required permissions, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected plugin and ensure proper patch management processes are in place to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of input validation and sanitization in plugin development, as outlined in OWASP Top 10 and other security standards that emphasize proper data handling to prevent code injection attacks.