CVE-2025-8562
📋 TL;DR
The Custom Query Shortcode WordPress plugin contains a path traversal vulnerability that allows authenticated attackers with Contributor-level access or higher to read arbitrary files on the server. This can expose sensitive information like configuration files, credentials, or other protected data. All WordPress sites using this plugin up to version 0.4.0 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Custom Query Shortcode 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
Attackers gain access to sensitive files like wp-config.php containing database credentials, SSH keys, or other configuration files, leading to complete site compromise and potential lateral movement.
Likely Case
Attackers read configuration files, source code, or other sensitive files to gather intelligence for further attacks or to extract credentials.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and file permissions, attackers can only read publicly accessible files or encounter permission errors.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access and knowledge of the vulnerable parameter. The vulnerability is publicly documented with technical details.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 0.4.0
Vendor Advisory: https://wordpress.org/plugins/custom-query-shortcode/#developers
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Custom Query Shortcode' and check if update is available. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update is available. 5. If no update is available, deactivate and delete the plugin immediately.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove vulnerable plugin
allDeactivate and delete the Custom Query Shortcode plugin if not essential
Restrict user roles
allLimit users with Contributor role or higher to trusted individuals only
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict file permissions on sensitive directories and files
- Add web application firewall rules to block path traversal attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Installed Plugins for Custom Query Shortcode version 0.4.0 or earlierCheck Version:
wp plugin list --name=custom-query-shortcode --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is higher than 0.4.0 or plugin is completely removed📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing 'lens' parameter with '../' sequences
- Unusual file access patterns from authenticated users
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with path traversal patterns in 'lens' parameter
SIEM Query:
web.url:*lens=*..* AND web.status:200🔗 References
- https://github.com/peterhebert/custom-query-shortcode/pull/1
- https://plugins.svn.wordpress.org/custom-query-shortcode/tags/0.4.0/init.php
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3348818/
- https://wordpress.org/plugins/custom-query-shortcode/#developers
- https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/9e37c664-76ed-4ede-88fd-e41b9969685f?source=cve
