Random Related Posts Based on Category Security & Risk Analysis

wordpress.org/plugins/random-related-posts-based-on-category

This plugin allows you to list any number of related posts from the same category as the current post. You can also randomise these results.

10 active installs v1.0.2 PHP + WP 3+ Updated Jan 10, 2011
categorypostsrandomrelated
85
A · Safe
CVEs total0
Unpatched0
Last CVENever
Safety Verdict

Is Random Related Posts Based on Category Safe to Use in 2026?

Generally Safe

Score 85/100

Random Related Posts Based on Category 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

Based on the static analysis and vulnerability history, the 'random-related-posts-based-on-category' plugin v1.0.2 exhibits a strong security posture. The absence of any identified dangerous functions, file operations, external HTTP requests, or raw SQL queries is commendable. Furthermore, the analysis indicates that all SQL queries are prepared, and all output is properly escaped, which are crucial best practices for preventing common web vulnerabilities. The lack of any known CVEs and the clean vulnerability history suggest a well-maintained and secure plugin over time.

However, a significant concern arises from the complete absence of nonce checks and capability checks across all entry points. While the current static analysis indicates zero unprotected entry points, this could be misleading if the plugin relies on other mechanisms for authorization or if its functionality does not require authenticated access. The lack of these fundamental security checks, even with a zero attack surface identified, presents a potential blind spot. If any new entry points are introduced or if the plugin's behavior changes in future versions without proper authorization checks, it could lead to vulnerabilities.

In conclusion, the plugin demonstrates excellent adherence to secure coding principles regarding data handling and output sanitization. The absence of vulnerabilities in its history is a positive indicator. The primary weakness identified is the complete lack of nonce and capability checks, which, while not directly exploitable based on the current zero entry point count, represents a significant risk if the plugin's attack surface were to expand or if its underlying assumptions about user authentication change.

Key Concerns

  • Missing Nonce Checks
  • Missing Capability Checks
Vulnerabilities
None known

Random Related Posts Based on Category Security Vulnerabilities

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

Random Related Posts Based on Category 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

Random Related Posts Based on Category Attack Surface

Entry Points0
Unprotected0
Maintenance & Trust

Random Related Posts Based on Category Maintenance & Trust

Maintenance Signals

WordPress version tested3
Last updatedJan 10, 2011
PHP min version
Downloads5K

Community Trust

Rating0/100
Number of ratings0
Active installs10
Developer Profile

Random Related Posts Based on Category Developer Profile

James Kemp

1 plugin · 10 total installs

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

How We Detect Random Related Posts Based on Category

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

Asset Fingerprints

HTML / DOM Fingerprints

CSS Classes
related_postslast
Data Attributes
class="last"
Shortcode Output
<ul class="related_posts"><li class="last"><span>
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Random Related Posts Based on Category