CVE-2025-2809 Overview
CVE-2025-2809 affects the azurecurve Shortcodes in Comments plugin for WordPress in all versions up to and including 2.0.2. The plugin passes user-supplied input to the do_shortcode function without proper validation. This flaw allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary shortcodes on affected WordPress sites. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-94: Improper Control of Generation of Code. Exploitation requires no authentication and can be performed remotely over the network.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated attackers can execute arbitrary WordPress shortcodes, potentially leveraging registered shortcodes to disclose information, manipulate site content, or trigger unintended functionality.
Affected Products
- azurecurve Shortcodes in Comments plugin for WordPress
- All plugin versions through 2.0.2
- WordPress sites with the plugin installed and active
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-04-10 - CVE-2025-2809 published to NVD
- 2026-04-15 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-2809
Vulnerability Analysis
The azurecurve Shortcodes in Comments plugin extends WordPress comment functionality by allowing shortcodes to be processed inside comment content. The plugin invokes do_shortcode on a value sourced from user input without first validating or sanitizing that value. Because the plugin attaches the vulnerable action without restricting it to authenticated users, an unauthenticated attacker can supply input that is parsed and executed through the WordPress shortcode engine. The flaw is categorized as code injection under CWE-94 because shortcode handlers execute server-side PHP logic tied to registered shortcodes.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing input validation prior to a call to do_shortcode. The plugin entrypoint, referenced in the plugin source at azurecurve-shortcodes-in-comments.php line 35, accepts a value controlled by the request and forwards it to the shortcode parser. WordPress executes any registered shortcode that matches the attacker-supplied string, including shortcodes registered by other installed plugins or themes. See the WordPress Plugin Code Review for the affected code path.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based and requires no privileges or user interaction. An attacker submits a crafted HTTP request to the WordPress site containing shortcode syntax in the input the plugin processes. The plugin then expands the shortcode server-side via do_shortcode. The impact depends on which shortcodes are registered on the target site, since some shortcodes return sensitive data, modify output, or interact with backend functionality. Additional technical details are available in the Wordfence Vulnerability Report.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-2809
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to comment-related endpoints containing shortcode syntax such as [shortcode_name] or [shortcode attr="value"] from unauthenticated sources.
- Unexpected output in rendered comments referencing data normally produced by registered shortcodes.
- Web server access logs showing repeated requests from a single IP probing comment submission endpoints with bracketed payloads.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory WordPress installations and identify sites running azurecurve Shortcodes in Comments at version 2.0.2 or earlier.
- Inspect comment submission and processing traffic for embedded shortcode patterns originating from unauthenticated requests.
- Correlate web access logs with WordPress audit logs to identify shortcode expansion triggered by anonymous users.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable WordPress security logging plugins to capture comment submissions and shortcode execution events.
- Forward web server and application logs to a centralized log platform and alert on shortcode patterns in comment payloads.
- Monitor for newly registered shortcodes across plugins, since their attack surface increases when this vulnerability is present.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-2809
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the azurecurve Shortcodes in Comments plugin to a version later than 2.0.2 once available from the plugin developer page.
- Deactivate and remove the plugin if a patched version is not yet available and the functionality is not essential.
- Review installed plugins and themes for shortcodes that expose sensitive functionality and audit their usage.
Patch Information
Review the WordPress plugin developer page for the latest release notes and patched versions. Apply the update across all WordPress instances using the plugin. After upgrading, verify the plugin version reported in the WordPress admin matches the fixed release.
Workarounds
- Deactivate the azurecurve Shortcodes in Comments plugin until a patched version is installed.
- Deploy a web application firewall rule that blocks bracketed shortcode syntax in unauthenticated comment submissions.
- Restrict comment submission to authenticated users via WordPress discussion settings to reduce unauthenticated exposure.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
