CVE-2024-8481: CWE-94 Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection') in minimus Special Text Boxes
The The Special Text Boxes plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary shortcode execution in all versions up to, and including, 6.2.4. This is due to the plugin adding the filter add_filter('comment_text', 'do_shortcode'); which will run all shortcodes in comments. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary shortcodes.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2024-8481 is a code injection vulnerability in the minimus Special Text Boxes WordPress plugin. The plugin adds the filter add_filter('comment_text', 'do_shortcode'), which causes all shortcodes in comments to be executed. This behavior allows unauthenticated attackers to inject and execute arbitrary shortcodes via comments, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or code execution within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 6.2.4.
Potential Impact
An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary shortcodes in WordPress comments, potentially leading to partial compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected WordPress site. The CVSS score of 7.3 indicates a high impact with network-based exploitation possible without any privileges or user interaction.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, it is recommended to disable or remove the Special Text Boxes plugin if possible or restrict comment posting to trusted users. Monitor vendor channels for updates and apply patches promptly once released.
CVE-2024-8481: CWE-94 Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection') in minimus Special Text Boxes
Description
The The Special Text Boxes plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary shortcode execution in all versions up to, and including, 6.2.4. This is due to the plugin adding the filter add_filter('comment_text', 'do_shortcode'); which will run all shortcodes in comments. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary shortcodes.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2024-8481 is a code injection vulnerability in the minimus Special Text Boxes WordPress plugin. The plugin adds the filter add_filter('comment_text', 'do_shortcode'), which causes all shortcodes in comments to be executed. This behavior allows unauthenticated attackers to inject and execute arbitrary shortcodes via comments, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or code execution within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 6.2.4.
Potential Impact
An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary shortcodes in WordPress comments, potentially leading to partial compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected WordPress site. The CVSS score of 7.3 indicates a high impact with network-based exploitation possible without any privileges or user interaction.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, it is recommended to disable or remove the Special Text Boxes plugin if possible or restrict comment posting to trusted users. Monitor vendor channels for updates and apply patches promptly once released.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- Wordfence
- Date Reserved
- 2024-09-05T15:54:41.396Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 699f6c2ab7ef31ef0b560a87
Added to database: 2/25/2026, 9:39:54 PM
Last enriched: 4/9/2026, 8:27:27 PM
Last updated: 4/12/2026, 6:12:54 AM
Views: 15
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