CVE-2025-66085
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a Missing Authorization vulnerability in the Arconix Shortcodes WordPress plugin that allows attackers to exploit incorrectly configured access control security levels. Attackers can perform actions they shouldn't be authorized to do, potentially modifying content or settings. This affects all WordPress sites using Arconix Shortcodes version 2.1.18 and earlier.
💻 Affected Systems
- Arconix Shortcodes 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
Unauthorized users could modify site content, inject malicious code, or alter plugin settings leading to site defacement or further compromise.
Likely Case
Authenticated users with limited privileges could escalate their permissions or perform actions beyond their intended role, such as modifying shortcode configurations.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and least privilege principles, impact would be limited to authorized actions only.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires some level of access to the WordPress site, though potentially with limited privileges.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.1.19 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel
2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins
3. Find Arconix Shortcodes
4. Click 'Update Now' if available
5. If no update appears, download version 2.1.19+ from WordPress.org
6. Deactivate old plugin, upload new version, activate
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily deactivate the Arconix Shortcodes plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate arconix-shortcodes
Restrict User Roles
allApply strict role-based access control to limit who can access plugin functions
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block unauthorized access attempts
- Enable detailed logging and monitoring for unauthorized access to plugin functions
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Arconix Shortcodes for version numberCheck Version:
wp plugin get arconix-shortcodes --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 2.1.19 or higher in WordPress admin📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized access attempts to Arconix Shortcodes admin functions
- Users with low privileges performing administrative actions
Network Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with arconix-related parameters
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress" AND (plugin="arconix-shortcodes" AND (user_role!="administrator" AND action="admin"))