CVE-2025-2805 in ORDER POST Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/10/2025
The ORDER POST plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary shortcode execution in all versions up to, and including, 2.0.2. 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 • 04/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-2805 affects the ORDER POST plugin for WordPress, a widely used extension that facilitates order management and related functionalities within WordPress environments. This particular weakness exists in all versions up to and including 2.0.2, representing a critical security flaw that has remained unpatched for an extended period. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, specifically in how it processes user-supplied data during shortcode execution operations. The affected plugin operates within the WordPress ecosystem where shortcodes serve as convenient placeholders for complex content or functionality, making them powerful tools when properly implemented but potentially dangerous when exploited.
The technical flaw manifests when the plugin fails to properly validate user input before executing the do_shortcode function, which is a core WordPress function designed to process shortcode tags within content. This validation gap allows attackers to inject malicious shortcode parameters through unauthenticated requests, effectively bypassing normal security controls. The vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of POST requests that contain shortcode parameters, enabling remote code execution through carefully crafted inputs. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited without requiring any authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered by anyone with access to the affected WordPress site. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a classic example of a code injection vulnerability that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or site defacement, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary shortcodes that could potentially lead to complete system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious shortcodes that perform actions such as creating new administrator accounts, modifying existing content, accessing sensitive data, or even establishing backdoors for persistent access. The unauthenticated nature of the exploit means that any visitor to the affected site could potentially trigger the vulnerability, making it a significant risk for public-facing WordPress installations. This vulnerability can be particularly devastating in environments where the ORDER POST plugin is used for e-commerce or order processing functions, as it could lead to unauthorized transactions or complete disruption of business operations. The impact is further amplified by the fact that WordPress remains one of the most widely deployed content management systems globally, making vulnerable installations abundant across various industries and organizations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the affected plugin to the latest available version that contains the necessary security fixes. System administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected plugin across their WordPress installations and ensure proper patch management protocols are in place. Additionally, implementing network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide an additional layer of defense against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and proper sanitization of user-supplied data, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.008 for command and scripting interpreter. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect unusual shortcode execution patterns or unauthorized modifications to WordPress plugins. Regular security audits and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other plugins and themes, as this vulnerability type often indicates broader security gaps in WordPress installations. The incident highlights the critical need for maintaining up-to-date software components and the importance of adhering to security best practices such as principle of least privilege and defense in depth strategies.