Description

Unauthenticated Sensitive Data Exposure in Shortcodes and extra features for Phlox theme <= 2.17.22 versions.

Executive Summary

Technical Details

Mitigations

References

Additional Metadata

{
  "score": "5.3",
  "pubDate": "2026-08-18T15:17:09.437Z",
  "pubdate": "2026-08-18T15:17:09.437Z",
  "executiveSummary": "An unauthenticated sensitive data exposure vulnerability has been identified in the Shortcodes and extra features for Phlox theme affecting versions 2.17.22 and prior. This security flaw allows unauthenticated remote attackers to harvest sensitive information exposed by the affected theme components. The vulnerability presents significant risk implications, as unauthorized disclosure of internal system data or user details can facilitate further compromise. Exploitation requires network access to the target WordPress installation and can be executed entirely without authentication or specific user privileges. Threat actors can leverage this flaw to harvest configuration details or protected content, bypassing standard access control mechanisms implemented within the WordPress environment. Remediation requires updating the Phlox theme and associated extra features to the latest patched version beyond the affected threshold.",
  "technicalDetails": "The vulnerability resides within the Shortcodes and extra features for Phlox theme, specifically affecting versions 2.17.22 and earlier. The root cause stems from improper access control enforcement and inadequate authorization checks within the theme's handling of specific shortcodes and auxiliary functionalities. This architectural flaw permits unauthenticated HTTP requests to query internal routines that inadvertently return sensitive data payloads without validating whether the requester possesses the requisite privileges.\nThe attack flow proceeds as follows: an unauthenticated remote attacker crafts an HTTP request directed at the vulnerable WordPress endpoint associated with the Phlox theme features. Because the underlying codebase fails to enforce authentication checks or session validation prior to processing the request, the application executes the vulnerable function or shortcode handler. The component retrieves and serializes sensitive data, subsequently transmitting it back in the HTTP response body to the unassisted client.\nNetwork exposure is broad, as the vulnerable endpoints are accessible over standard web protocols (HTTP/HTTPS) exposed by the WordPress instance. The attack requires no prior interaction, user authentication, or elevated privileges, lowering the barrier to exploitation. Post-exploitation impact primarily centers on confidentiality breaches. Depending on the exact nature of the exposed data, an attacker may acquire database contents, internal application paths, plugin configurations, or sensitive user metadata, which can be weaponized in subsequent chained exploits or targeted attacks against the hosting infrastructure."
}