CVE-2026-92084 in Beaver Builder Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/03/2026
The The Beaver Builder Page Builder – Drag and Drop Website Builder plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary shortcode execution in all versions up to, and including, 2.11.0.5. 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. Exploitation requires the target site to have a Beaver Builder page containing the Sidebar module populated with a widget that displays attacker-controllable text, such as the core Recent Comments widget, with comment moderation disabled or the attacker's comment approved.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/03/2026
The vulnerability identified in The Beaver Builder Page Builder plugin for WordPress represents a critical security flaw affecting all versions up to and including 2.11.0.5. This issue stems from an improper validation of user-supplied input prior to its processing by the do_shortcode function, which is responsible for parsing and executing shortcodes within content. In standard web application architecture, any data originating from external sources must be rigorously sanitized and validated before being passed to functions that interpret or execute code-like structures. The failure to enforce these checks allows unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious shortcode payloads into the system. This specific type of flaw is categorized under CWE-94 as Improper Control of Generation of Code, often referred to as injection vulnerabilities where the application fails to neutralize special elements before they are passed to a parser that interprets them in an unintended context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant because it allows for arbitrary shortcode execution without requiring any form of authentication. Shortcodes in WordPress are essentially macros or placeholders that get replaced with dynamic content when a page is rendered. By exploiting the lack of validation, an attacker can force the server to execute shortcodes defined by plugins or themes installed on the target site. If the environment includes other vulnerable plugins or custom code registered as shortcodes, this could lead to remote code execution, data exfiltration, defacement, or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The ability to execute arbitrary code remotely and without authentication places this vulnerability in a high severity tier according to common scoring systems due to its ease of exploitation and potential for widespread compromise.
From an offensive security perspective, particularly regarding the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with techniques related to Command and Scripting Interpreter abuse or potentially Injection attacks depending on how the executed shortcodes interact with underlying system components. The attacker leverages the application's own logic against it by manipulating input that is subsequently processed as executable content rather than mere data. This bypasses traditional access controls since no login credentials are required, making it particularly dangerous for sites that rely on public-facing forms or comment sections to drive engagement.
Exploitation of this vulnerability requires specific environmental conditions beyond just the vulnerable plugin version being installed. The target WordPress site must have a Beaver Builder page active and specifically configured with a Sidebar module. Within this sidebar, there must be a widget capable of displaying text that is controllable by an attacker. A common example cited in security advisories is the core Recent Comments widget. For the attack to succeed, comment moderation must either be disabled entirely or the attacker's specific comment must have been approved for display. This dependency means that while the vulnerability exists in the codebase, its practical exploitation relies on social engineering or prior compromise of user accounts capable of submitting comments if moderation is enabled.
Mitigation strategies should focus primarily on immediate patching and configuration hardening. Administrators running affected versions up to 2.11.0.5 must upgrade The Beaver Builder Page Builder plugin to the latest stable release where this validation logic has been corrected. In addition to updating, site administrators should review their comment moderation settings. Enabling strict moderation for all new comments prevents attackers from easily injecting payloads via widgets like Recent Comments unless they have already gained a higher level of trust or access within the community. Furthermore, implementing Web Application Firewalls can help detect and block requests containing suspicious shortcode patterns before they reach the application logic, providing an additional layer of defense in depth while updates are being applied. Regular auditing of installed plugins for known vulnerabilities is also essential to maintain overall site integrity.