What the vulnerability does
01Description
The Administrative Shortcodes plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Local File Inclusion in all versions up to, and including, 0.3.4 via the 'slug' attribute of the 'get_template' shortcode. This is due to insufficient path validation on user-supplied input passed to the get_template_part() function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Contributor-level access and above, to include and execute arbitrary files on the server, allowing the execution of any PHP code in those files. This can be used to bypass access controls, obtain sensitive data, or achieve code execution in cases where images and other "safe" file types can be uploaded and included.
Explanation of Vulnerability in Simple Terms
02Summary
Administrative Shortcodes versions 0.3.4 and earlier contain a code injection vulnerability. An authenticated user with low privileges can inject and execute arbitrary code through shortcode parameters. The vulnerability requires high attack complexity but grants full control over site data and functionality. Update to a version newer than 0.3.4 immediately.
What an attacker can do
03Attacker Capabilities
Run arbitrary code on the site with full access to data, files, and functionality.
Potential impact on your site
04Site Impact
Any authenticated user can compromise your entire site, steal data, modify content, or take the site offline.
Conditions required to exploit
05Prerequisites
Attacker must have a low-privilege authenticated account; no user interaction required.
Key dates
06Disclosure timeline
January 24, 2026
CVE published
April 8, 2026
Record updated
