CVE-2023-25050
📋 TL;DR
This path traversal vulnerability in the Shortcodes Ultimate WordPress plugin allows attackers to download arbitrary files from the server by manipulating file paths. It affects all WordPress sites running Shortcodes Ultimate versions up to 5.12.6. Attackers can potentially access sensitive files like configuration files, database credentials, or other system files.
💻 Affected Systems
- Shortcodes Ultimate WordPress Plugin
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete server compromise through retrieval of sensitive configuration files (wp-config.php), database credentials, SSH keys, or other critical system files leading to data breach, privilege escalation, or full system takeover.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to sensitive WordPress files including configuration files, plugin files, or other web-accessible content, potentially exposing database credentials and enabling further attacks.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper file permissions, web server restrictions, and security plugins that block directory traversal attempts.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires minimal technical skill as path traversal vulnerabilities are well-understood and public proof-of-concept exists.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 5.12.7 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/shortcodes-ultimate/wordpress-shortcodes-ultimate-plugin-5-12-6-arbitrary-file-download-vulnerability
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find Shortcodes Ultimate and click 'Update Now'. 4. Alternatively, download version 5.12.7+ from WordPress.org and manually replace plugin files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily deactivate the Shortcodes Ultimate plugin until patched
Web Server Restrictions
linuxConfigure web server to block directory traversal attempts
# For Apache: Add to .htaccess
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_URI} \.\. [NC]
RewriteRule .* - [F]
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove the Shortcodes Ultimate plugin completely from your WordPress installation
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block path traversal patterns
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel → Plugins → Installed Plugins for Shortcodes Ultimate version. If version is 5.12.6 or lower, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
# From WordPress root directory
grep "Version:" wp-content/plugins/shortcodes-ultimate/shortcodes-ultimate.phpVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify plugin version shows 5.12.7 or higher in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing '../' or '..\' patterns to plugin endpoints
- Unusual file access patterns to non-public directories
- Requests to /wp-content/plugins/shortcodes-ultimate/ with traversal sequences
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with encoded traversal sequences (%2e%2e%2f)
- Multiple requests attempting to access sensitive file paths
SIEM Query:
source="web_logs" AND (uri="*..*" OR uri="*%2e%2e*" OR uri="*shortcodes-ultimate*") AND status=200🔗 References
- https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/shortcodes-ultimate/wordpress-shortcodes-ultimate-plugin-5-12-6-arbitrary-file-download-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
- https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/shortcodes-ultimate/wordpress-shortcodes-ultimate-plugin-5-12-6-arbitrary-file-download-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
