CVE-2023-5250 in Grid Plus Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2023
The Grid Plus plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion in versions up to, and including, 1.3.3 via a shortcode attribute. This allows subscriber-level, and above, attackers to include and execute arbitrary files on the server, allowing the execution of any PHP code in those files. This can be used to bypass access controls, obtain sensitive data, or achieve code execution in cases where PHP files with arbitrary content can be uploaded and included.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2026
The Grid Plus plugin for WordPress presents a critical local file inclusion vulnerability that affects versions up to and including 1.3.3. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within a shortcode attribute, creating an exploitable path where authenticated attackers with subscriber-level privileges or higher can manipulate the plugin's behavior. The flaw resides in how the plugin processes user-supplied parameters, failing to adequately sanitize or validate the input before incorporating it into file system operations. This technical weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which categorizes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious shortcode parameters that reference local files on the server, effectively bypassing normal access controls that should prevent unauthorized file access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it provides attackers with a comprehensive attack surface for compromising WordPress installations. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows for arbitrary file inclusion, enabling attackers to execute PHP code contained within any accessible files on the server. This capability can be leveraged to bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive information from the WordPress database, or establish persistent backdoors within the web application. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it requires only subscriber-level privileges, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by users who normally have limited access rights. Attackers can potentially upload PHP files containing malicious code and then include them through the vulnerable shortcode, creating a complete code execution chain that can be used for data exfiltration, privilege escalation, or further network compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through plugin updates to versions that address the local file inclusion flaw, as well as implementing additional security controls. Organizations should prioritize updating to the latest plugin version that contains proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent path traversal attacks. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious shortcode parameters and blocking known malicious patterns. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP," as attackers can execute PHP code through the compromised plugin. Security monitoring should include logging and alerting on unusual file inclusion patterns, particularly those involving relative paths or attempts to access system files. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, with particular attention to shortcode implementations that handle user input. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege for WordPress user accounts and disabling unnecessary plugin features can significantly reduce the attack surface and potential impact of such vulnerabilities.