CVE-2025-63071
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in the auxin-elements WordPress plugin allows attackers to retrieve embedded sensitive data through shortcodes. It affects all WordPress sites using the Phlox theme with the auxin-elements plugin version 2.17.12 or earlier.
💻 Affected Systems
- auxin-elements (Shortcodes and extra features for Phlox theme)
⚠️ 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
Attackers could extract sensitive information like API keys, database credentials, or user data embedded in shortcodes, potentially leading to full site compromise.
Likely Case
Information disclosure of configuration data, API keys, or other sensitive information stored in shortcode parameters.
If Mitigated
Limited exposure of non-critical configuration data if proper input validation and output encoding are implemented.
🎯 Exploit Status
The vulnerability involves retrieving sensitive data through shortcode manipulation, which is typically straightforward to exploit.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.17.13 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Shortcodes and extra features for Phlox theme'. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available, or download latest version from WordPress repository. 5. Activate updated plugin.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable plugin
allTemporarily disable the auxin-elements plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate auxin-elements
Remove sensitive data from shortcodes
allAudit and remove any sensitive information stored in shortcode parameters
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block suspicious shortcode requests
- Restrict access to WordPress admin panel and implement strong authentication controls
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Installed Plugins for 'Shortcodes and extra features for Phlox theme' version 2.17.12 or earlierCheck Version:
wp plugin get auxin-elements --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 2.17.13 or later in WordPress admin panel📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual shortcode parameter requests in WordPress logs
- Multiple failed attempts to access sensitive shortcode endpoints
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with unusual shortcode parameters
- Traffic patterns targeting /wp-content/plugins/auxin-elements/
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress" AND (uri_path="*auxin-elements*" OR user_agent="*scanner*")