CVE-2026-85116: CWE-74 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection') in Simple CAPTCHA with Cloudflare Turnstile
The Simple CAPTCHA with Cloudflare Turnstile WordPress plugin from 1.2.2 before 1.42.3 runs the shortcode parser over the whole rendered Contact Form 7 form, including the values a visitor submitted, allowing unauthenticated users to execute arbitrary shortcodes registered on the site.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2026-85116 is an injection vulnerability (CWE-74) in the Simple CAPTCHA with Cloudflare Turnstile WordPress plugin. Versions >=1.2.2 and <1.42.3 run the shortcode parser over the entire rendered Contact Form 7 form, including visitor-submitted input. This improper neutralization of special elements in output allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary shortcodes registered on the WordPress site, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or information disclosure.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability allows unauthenticated users to execute arbitrary shortcodes on the affected WordPress site. This can lead to unauthorized information disclosure or manipulation of site content or behavior depending on the shortcodes available. The CVSS score is 6.5 (medium severity) with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, and no user interaction needed. There is no indication of active exploitation in the wild.
Mitigation Recommendations
A patch is available for this vulnerability. Users should upgrade the Simple CAPTCHA with Cloudflare Turnstile plugin to version 1.42.3 or later to remediate the issue. Since this is a WordPress plugin, applying the official update is the recommended mitigation.
CVE-2026-85116: CWE-74 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection') in Simple CAPTCHA with Cloudflare Turnstile
Description
The Simple CAPTCHA with Cloudflare Turnstile WordPress plugin from 1.2.2 before 1.42.3 runs the shortcode parser over the whole rendered Contact Form 7 form, including the values a visitor submitted, allowing unauthenticated users to execute arbitrary shortcodes registered on the site.
CVSS v3.1
Score 6.5medium
Affected software
Simple CAPTCHA with Cloudflare Turnstile
Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2026-85116 is an injection vulnerability (CWE-74) in the Simple CAPTCHA with Cloudflare Turnstile WordPress plugin. Versions >=1.2.2 and <1.42.3 run the shortcode parser over the entire rendered Contact Form 7 form, including visitor-submitted input. This improper neutralization of special elements in output allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary shortcodes registered on the WordPress site, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or information disclosure.
Potential Impact
The vulnerability allows unauthenticated users to execute arbitrary shortcodes on the affected WordPress site. This can lead to unauthorized information disclosure or manipulation of site content or behavior depending on the shortcodes available. The CVSS score is 6.5 (medium severity) with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, and no user interaction needed. There is no indication of active exploitation in the wild.
Mitigation Recommendations
A patch is available for this vulnerability. Users should upgrade the Simple CAPTCHA with Cloudflare Turnstile plugin to version 1.42.3 or later to remediate the issue. Since this is a WordPress plugin, applying the official update is the recommended mitigation.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- WPScan
- Date Reserved
- 2026-09-03T07:55:21.766Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
- Is Cloud Service
- true
Threat ID: 6aa3dff291cc7f3848109ff8
Added to database: 09/11/2026, 11:03:14 UTC
Last enriched: 09/11/2026, 11:18:02 UTC
Last updated: 09/11/2026, 16:03:36 UTC
Views: 9
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