CVE-2024-13785 Overview
CVE-2024-13785 is an arbitrary shortcode execution vulnerability affecting the ARForms (Contact Form, Survey, Quiz & Popup Form Builder) plugin for WordPress. The vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 1.7.2. Due to improper validation of user-supplied input before passing it to the do_shortcode function, unauthenticated attackers can execute arbitrary WordPress shortcodes on vulnerable installations.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can execute arbitrary shortcodes, potentially leading to information disclosure, privilege escalation, or further exploitation depending on other installed plugins and their registered shortcodes.
Affected Products
- ARForms (Contact Form, Survey, Quiz & Popup Form Builder) plugin for WordPress version 1.7.2 and earlier
- WordPress installations with vulnerable ARForms versions
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-03-21 - CVE-2024-13785 published to NVD
- 2026-03-23 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-13785
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability falls under CWE-94 (Improper Control of Generation of Code, also known as Code Injection). The ARForms plugin contains functionality that allows users to trigger an action which processes user input through WordPress's do_shortcode function without adequate validation. The do_shortcode function is a powerful WordPress core function that parses shortcode tags in content and executes them. When user-controlled data reaches this function unfiltered, attackers can inject and execute arbitrary shortcodes.
The attack is network-accessible and requires no authentication, meaning any remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability. However, the complexity is considered high as successful exploitation depends on additional factors such as the presence of other vulnerable or powerful shortcodes registered on the target WordPress installation.
Root Cause
The root cause is insufficient input validation before calling the WordPress do_shortcode function. The plugin fails to sanitize or validate user-supplied values, allowing arbitrary shortcode syntax to be processed and executed. This is a classic example of improper input validation leading to code injection, where the application trusts user input without implementing proper security controls.
Attack Vector
The vulnerability is exploited over the network by unauthenticated attackers who craft malicious requests containing arbitrary shortcode syntax. When the vulnerable plugin processes these requests, it passes the attacker-controlled content to do_shortcode, which then executes any valid WordPress shortcodes present in the input.
The impact of successful exploitation varies depending on what shortcodes are registered on the target WordPress site. Shortcodes from other plugins may provide access to sensitive information, database queries, file operations, or other functionality that could be abused. This creates a chain where the ARForms vulnerability becomes a gateway to exploit capabilities exposed by other WordPress components.
For detailed technical information about this vulnerability, refer to the Wordfence Vulnerability Report.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-13785
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual HTTP requests to ARForms plugin endpoints containing shortcode bracket syntax ([ and ])
- Unexpected execution of WordPress shortcodes in server logs
- Anomalous database queries or file access patterns originating from ARForms processing
Detection Strategies
- Monitor web application logs for requests containing shortcode patterns directed at ARForms plugin files
- Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block requests containing suspicious shortcode syntax in unexpected parameters
- Review WordPress debug logs for unexpected shortcode execution errors or warnings
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable comprehensive WordPress logging to capture plugin activity and shortcode execution
- Deploy endpoint detection solutions capable of monitoring for post-exploitation behavior
- Regularly audit installed WordPress plugins and their versions against known vulnerability databases
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-13785
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the ARForms plugin to a patched version beyond 1.7.2 when available
- If an update is not immediately available, consider temporarily deactivating the ARForms plugin until a fix is released
- Review server logs for signs of exploitation attempts
Patch Information
Check the WordPress Plugin Directory for the latest version of the ARForms plugin with security fixes. Ensure automatic updates are enabled for WordPress plugins or establish a regular patching schedule to minimize exposure to known vulnerabilities.
Workarounds
- Temporarily disable the ARForms plugin if it is not critical to site operations
- Implement Web Application Firewall rules to block requests containing shortcode syntax in user input parameters
- Restrict access to WordPress admin and plugin endpoints using server-level access controls where feasible
- Audit other installed plugins for potentially dangerous shortcodes that could be abused through this vulnerability
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
