Meta Shortcode Security & Risk Analysis

wordpress.org/plugins/meta-shortcode

Easily insert meta values, if they exist, into a post or page using a shortcode.

10 active installs v0.1 PHP + WP 2.5+ Updated Nov 3, 2012
metapagepost
85
A · Safe
CVEs total0
Unpatched0
Last CVENever
Safety Verdict

Is Meta Shortcode Safe to Use in 2026?

Generally Safe

Score 85/100

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

No known CVEs Updated 13yr ago
Risk Assessment

The meta-shortcode plugin version 0.1 exhibits a generally strong security posture based on the provided static analysis. The code demonstrates good development practices by exclusively using prepared statements for SQL queries and ensuring all outputs are properly escaped, which significantly mitigates common web vulnerabilities like SQL injection and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS). The absence of dangerous functions, file operations, and external HTTP requests further contributes to its secure design.

However, a notable concern arises from the complete lack of nonce checks and capability checks. While the plugin currently has a minimal attack surface consisting of only one shortcode and no unprotected entry points identified, the absence of these security mechanisms leaves it vulnerable should its functionality ever be extended or if the single shortcode's behavior is later found to be exploitable without proper authorization. The plugin also has no recorded vulnerability history, which is a positive indicator but doesn't guarantee future security, especially given the identified lack of robust access control.

In conclusion, version 0.1 of meta-shortcode is well-written in terms of data handling and output sanitization. Its primary weakness lies in the absence of critical security checks like nonce and capability verification, which, while not currently exploitable, represents a significant potential risk if the plugin's functionality or attack surface expands. Continued vigilance and implementation of these checks are recommended.

Key Concerns

  • Missing nonce checks
  • Missing capability checks
Vulnerabilities
None known

Meta Shortcode Security Vulnerabilities

No known vulnerabilities — this is a good sign.
Code Analysis
Analyzed Mar 17, 2026

Meta 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

Meta Shortcode Attack Surface

Entry Points1
Unprotected0

Shortcodes 1

[metafield] meta-shortcode.php:53
Maintenance & Trust

Meta Shortcode Maintenance & Trust

Maintenance Signals

WordPress version tested3.4.2
Last updatedNov 3, 2012
PHP min version
Downloads2K

Community Trust

Rating100/100
Number of ratings1
Active installs10
Developer Profile

Meta Shortcode Developer Profile

Ryan

3 plugins · 420 total installs

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

How We Detect Meta Shortcode

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

Asset Fingerprints

HTML / DOM Fingerprints

Shortcode Output
<ul><li></li></ul>
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Meta Shortcode