CVE-2024-8481: The The Special Text Boxes plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary shortcode execution in all versions

Q: How do I fix CVE-2024-8481?

special text boxes: upgrade to newer than 6.2.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Q: Is CVE-2024-8481 being exploited?

CVE-2024-8481 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

Q: What does CVE-2024-8481 affect?

CVE-2024-8481 affects special text boxes. Severity is high (CVSS 7.3). 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 r

Q: How urgent is CVE-2024-8481?

Priority 43/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

This month

HIGH 7.3REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2024-8481 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.3) affecting special text boxes. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

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.

Why this priority

High severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.3 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.6% (top 49%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-94
Published	2024-09-25
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Wordfence · Vendor: simplelib

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2024-09-25 03:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 08:22 UTCUpdated Record last modified

simplelib special text boxes UPGRADE

Affected: <= 6.2.2

Fixed in: newer than 6.2.2

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy special-text-boxes || rpm -q special-text-boxes || special-text-boxes --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 6.2.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade special-text-boxes

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade special-text-boxes

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2024-8481?

special text boxes: upgrade to newer than 6.2.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2024-8481 being exploited?

CVE-2024-8481 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2024-8481 affect?

CVE-2024-8481 affects special text boxes. Severity is high (CVSS 7.3). 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 r

How urgent is CVE-2024-8481?

Priority 43/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

WordPress vulnerabilities

References

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