CVE-2025-1509 in Show Me The Cookies Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/22/2025
The The Show Me The Cookies plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary shortcode execution in all versions up to, and including, 1.0. This is due to 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2025
The CVE-2025-1509 vulnerability affects the Show Me The Cookies WordPress plugin, representing a critical security flaw that has persisted across all versions up to and including 1.0. This vulnerability resides within the plugin's handling of user input and shortcode execution mechanisms, creating a pathway for unauthorized code execution that could severely compromise affected WordPress installations. The issue stems from inadequate input validation within the plugin's core functionality, specifically in how it processes user-provided data that eventually gets passed to the do_shortcode function.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an unauthenticated attacker crafts malicious input that bypasses proper validation checks before being processed through the do_shortcode function. This allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary shortcodes without requiring authentication credentials or administrative privileges. The vulnerability's root cause aligns with CWE-89, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands, though in this case the exploitation involves shortcode injection rather than database queries. The flaw essentially creates a code execution vector where attackers can leverage the plugin's legitimate shortcode processing capabilities to run malicious code within the WordPress environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to potentially enable full system compromise of affected WordPress installations. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious shortcodes that might redirect users to phishing sites, steal cookies and session information, or even deploy additional malware. The vulnerability affects any WordPress site running the vulnerable plugin version, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread use of WordPress and its plugins. This issue creates a persistent threat vector that could be exploited by automated scanning tools, making it a prime target for mass exploitation campaigns.
Security professionals should immediately implement mitigation strategies including plugin updates to versions that address the vulnerability, if available, or implement web application firewall rules that block suspicious shortcode execution patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and proper sanitization in WordPress plugin development, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.008 for execution through command injection. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as monitoring for unusual shortcode usage patterns and ensuring proper access controls are in place. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough security testing during plugin development and the necessity of maintaining up-to-date software components to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.