Search shortcode Security & Risk Analysis

wordpress.org/plugins/search-shortcode

Provides a [search] shortcode to insert search form in content.

1K active installs v1.0 PHP + WP 3.2+ Updated Dec 3, 2015
search
85
A · Safe
CVEs total0
Unpatched0
Last CVENever
Safety Verdict

Is Search shortcode Safe to Use in 2026?

Generally Safe

Score 85/100

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

No known CVEs Updated 10yr ago
Risk Assessment

The "search-shortcode" plugin version 1.0 exhibits a strong security posture based on the provided static analysis. The code base appears clean, with no dangerous functions, file operations, or external HTTP requests identified. Crucially, all SQL queries are protected by prepared statements, and all output is properly escaped, significantly mitigating the risk of common web vulnerabilities like SQL injection and cross-site scripting. The absence of any recorded vulnerabilities in its history further strengthens this assessment, suggesting a well-maintained and secure codebase.

While the static analysis reveals no immediate code-level risks such as unsanitized taint flows or raw SQL, the presence of a shortcode as the sole entry point, without explicit capability or nonce checks noted, represents a potential area for scrutiny. Although the current version might not be vulnerable, future iterations or specific usage contexts could expose this shortcode to unintended access or manipulation if not properly secured. The lack of any reported vulnerabilities is positive, but it's important to note that a lack of history doesn't guarantee future security, especially with potential implicit vulnerabilities.

In conclusion, "search-shortcode" v1.0 appears to be a securely developed plugin, adhering to best practices in SQL and output handling. The primary, albeit minor, concern stems from the lack of explicit security checks on its single shortcode entry point. However, given the clean code signals and absence of historical vulnerabilities, the overall risk is low. Continued vigilance for any future reported issues or implicit vulnerabilities is always recommended.

Key Concerns

  • Shortcode without explicit capability checks
  • Shortcode without explicit nonce checks
Vulnerabilities
None known

Search shortcode Security Vulnerabilities

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

Search 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

Search shortcode Attack Surface

Entry Points1
Unprotected0

Shortcodes 1

[search] search-shortcode.php:31
Maintenance & Trust

Search shortcode Maintenance & Trust

Maintenance Signals

WordPress version tested4.4.34
Last updatedDec 3, 2015
PHP min version
Downloads19K

Community Trust

Rating100/100
Number of ratings6
Active installs1K
Developer Profile

Search shortcode Developer Profile

Mark-k

7 plugins · 2K total installs

85
trust score
Avg Security Score
87/100
Avg Patch Time
30 days
View full developer profile
Detection Fingerprints

How We Detect Search shortcode

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

Asset Fingerprints

Asset Paths
/wp-content/plugins/search-shortcode/search-shortcode.php

HTML / DOM Fingerprints

Shortcode Output
<p></p>
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Search shortcode