CVE-2023-6996 in Display Custom Fields in the Frontend Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/06/2024
The Display custom fields in the frontend – Post and User Profile Fields plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Code Injection via the plugin's vg_display_data shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 1.2.1 due to insufficient input validation and restriction on access to that shortcode. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with contributor-level and above permissions to call arbitrary functions and execute code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/11/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-6996 affects the Display custom fields in the frontend – Post and User Profile Fields plugin for WordPress, representing a critical code injection flaw that has significant implications for WordPress site security. This vulnerability exists within the plugin's vg_display_data shortcode functionality, which is designed to display custom field data on the frontend of WordPress sites. The issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize or restrict user-supplied data before processing, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code within the target environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated attacker possessing contributor-level permissions or higher, which represents a concerning privilege escalation scenario since contributors typically have limited capabilities within WordPress systems. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the vg_display_data shortcode by injecting malicious code through input parameters, bypassing normal security restrictions imposed by the plugin. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1566.001 for "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment" when considering how attackers might leverage such a vulnerability to establish persistent access.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-6996 extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to potentially compromise entire WordPress installations and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. Since the vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 1.2.1, it represents a widespread risk across numerous installations that have not been updated to address this flaw. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to deploy web shells, steal user credentials, modify content, or establish backdoors for continued access. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the frontend display functionality, meaning that even users with limited permissions can potentially exploit it to gain elevated privileges within the WordPress environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-6996 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the code injection vulnerability, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. Organizations should also implement strict input validation measures and consider restricting contributor-level permissions to prevent unauthorized access to potentially vulnerable shortcode functionalities. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious shortcode usage and implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious input patterns can provide additional layers of protection. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper access control mechanisms and input sanitization within WordPress plugins, particularly those that handle user-generated content or display data from various sources, as these components often become prime targets for attackers seeking to exploit privilege escalation opportunities.