Category Shortcode Security & Risk Analysis

wordpress.org/plugins/category-shortcode-w-generator

Plugin adds shortcode capability for adding posts by category to a page.

300 active installs v1.3 PHP + WP 2.9.0+ Updated Oct 15, 2010
categoryshortcode
85
A · Safe
CVEs total0
Unpatched0
Last CVENever
Safety Verdict

Is Category Shortcode Safe to Use in 2026?

Generally Safe

Score 85/100

Category Shortcode has no known CVEs and is actively maintained. It's a solid choice for most WordPress installations.

No known CVEs Updated 15yr ago
Risk Assessment

The "category-shortcode-w-generator" plugin v1.3 exhibits a strong security posture based on the provided static analysis and vulnerability history. The absence of dangerous functions, SQL queries not using prepared statements, and properly escaped output are significant strengths. Furthermore, the lack of file operations, external HTTP requests, and the absence of known vulnerabilities or CVEs indicate a well-maintained and secure codebase. The plugin's limited attack surface, consisting solely of a single shortcode with no identified vulnerabilities or insecure entry points, further contributes to its positive security profile.

While the static analysis indicates no apparent vulnerabilities or concerning code patterns, the lack of specific taint analysis results and the absence of any recorded vulnerability history, while generally positive, offer limited insight into potential undiscovered issues. However, based strictly on the provided data, the plugin appears to be a low-risk option. The minimal attack surface and adherence to secure coding practices are commendable. The plugin's strengths significantly outweigh any perceived weaknesses based on the available information.

Vulnerabilities
None known

Category Shortcode Security Vulnerabilities

No known vulnerabilities — this is a good sign.
Code Analysis
Analyzed Mar 16, 2026

Category Shortcode Code Analysis

Dangerous Functions
0
Raw SQL Queries
0
0 prepared
Unescaped Output
0
0 escaped
Nonce Checks
0
Capability Checks
0
File Operations
0
External Requests
0
Bundled Libraries
0
Attack Surface

Category Shortcode Attack Surface

Entry Points1
Unprotected0

Shortcodes 1

[Category] category_shortcode.php:38
WordPress Hooks 1
actionadmin_menucategory_shortcode.php:178
Maintenance & Trust

Category Shortcode Maintenance & Trust

Maintenance Signals

WordPress version tested3.0.5
Last updatedOct 15, 2010
PHP min version
Downloads16K

Community Trust

Rating80/100
Number of ratings2
Active installs300
Developer Profile

Category Shortcode Developer Profile

robertdrake

2 plugins · 370 total installs

84
trust score
Avg Security Score
85/100
Avg Patch Time
30 days
View full developer profile
Detection Fingerprints

How We Detect Category Shortcode

Patterns used to identify this plugin on WordPress sites during automated security audits and web crawling.

Asset Fingerprints

Asset Paths
/wp-content/plugins/category-shortcode-w-generator/style.css
Version Parameters
category-shortcode-w-generator/style.css?ver=

HTML / DOM Fingerprints

CSS Classes
csc_postcsc_excerptcsc_post_thumbnailcsc_post_titlecsc_post_datecsc_post_authorcsc_post_categorycsc_post_excerpt+4 more
HTML Comments
OUTPUT STYLING BELOW
JS Globals
rdjs_Numberrdjs_Orderrdjs_Orderbyrdjs_Methodrdjs_Categ
Shortcode Output
<div class=csc_post csc_excerpt><div class=csc_post_thumbnail><div class=csc_post_title><div class=csc_post_date>
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Category Shortcode