CVE-2024-8481
CVE-2024-8481 is a high-severity vulnerability in Simplelib Special Text Boxes with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-94.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.3)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (47th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2024-49212
- Weakness: CWE-94
- Affected product: Simplelib Special Text Boxes
- Published:
- Last modified:
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.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2024-8481?
- 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.
- How severe is CVE-2024-8481?
- CVE-2024-8481 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is low, integrity low, and availability low.
- Is CVE-2024-8481 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (47th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2024-8481?
- CVE-2024-8481 affects Simplelib Special Text Boxes. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2024-8481?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- Does CVE-2024-8481 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2024-8481 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2024-49212.
- When was CVE-2024-8481 published?
- CVE-2024-8481 was published on 2024-09-25 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3166470/
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/tags/6.2.2/wp-special-textboxes/trunk/stb-class.php#L36
- https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/15b2a08f-2122-4eaf-ab46-1945cf6a68ca?source=cve
Affected products (1)
- cpe:2.3:a:simplelib:special_text_boxes:*:*:*:*:free:wordpress:*:*
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