CVE-2023-6530 in TJ Shortcodes Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/29/2024
The TJ Shortcodes WordPress plugin through 0.1.3 does not validate and escape some of its shortcode attributes before outputting them back in a page/post where the shortcode is embed, which could allow users with the contributor role and above to perform Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2025
The CVE-2023-6530 vulnerability affects the TJ Shortcodes WordPress plugin version 0.1.3 and earlier, presenting a significant security risk through stored cross-site scripting exploitation. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's shortcode processing functionality. The flaw specifically targets the handling of shortcode attributes, where the plugin fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it back into the webpage context. Attackers with contributor-level privileges or higher can leverage this weakness to inject malicious scripts that will execute in the browsers of other users who view pages containing the vulnerable shortcodes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the plugin's failure to apply proper sanitization routines to shortcode parameters before they are rendered in HTML output. When users with sufficient privileges create or modify content using these shortcodes, malicious payloads can be embedded within attribute values. These payloads persist in the database and execute whenever the affected page is loaded, creating a stored XSS scenario that can be exploited across multiple users. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that contributors typically have broad permissions to create and edit content, making the attack vector accessible to users who may not possess administrator privileges.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses a serious threat to WordPress site security and user data integrity. The stored nature of the XSS attack means that malicious scripts can affect any user who accesses pages containing the compromised shortcodes, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to escalate privileges, deface websites, or establish persistent backdoors within the compromised WordPress environment. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities resulting from inadequate input sanitization.
The attack surface for CVE-2023-6530 extends beyond simple script execution to encompass broader security implications within WordPress ecosystems. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and output escaping in web applications, particularly in content management systems where user-generated content is prevalent. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1566 - Phishing and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can use the XSS capability to deliver malicious payloads and establish persistent access. Organizations using the affected plugin version should immediately implement mitigations including plugin updates, input validation enforcement, and monitoring for suspicious shortcode usage patterns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-6530 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the sanitization issues. Administrators should also implement additional defensive measures such as restricting contributor permissions where possible, implementing content security policies, and conducting regular security audits of shortcode implementations. The vulnerability highlights the necessity of robust input validation frameworks and proper output escaping mechanisms as recommended in OWASP Top Ten security practices. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring systems to detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting similar vulnerabilities in their WordPress installations.