Simpler Syntax Highlighter Security & Risk Analysis

wordpress.org/plugins/simpler-syntax-highlighter

Lightweight code snippet syntax highlighter.

0 active installs v1.0.2 PHP 4.3+ WP 2.9.0+ Updated Jan 22, 2018
bashcode-highlighterformat-codehighlightersyntax-highlighter
85
A · Safe
CVEs total0
Unpatched0
Last CVENever
Safety Verdict

Is Simpler Syntax Highlighter Safe to Use in 2026?

Generally Safe

Score 85/100

Simpler Syntax Highlighter has no known CVEs and is actively maintained. It's a solid choice for most WordPress installations.

No known CVEs Updated 8yr ago
Risk Assessment

The plugin 'simpler-syntax-highlighter' v1.0.2 demonstrates a strong security posture based on the provided static analysis. The absence of any identified attack surface entry points like AJAX handlers, REST API routes, shortcodes, or cron events is a significant positive. Furthermore, the code signals indicate robust development practices, with no dangerous functions, all SQL queries utilizing prepared statements, and all output properly escaped. The lack of file operations and external HTTP requests further reduces potential attack vectors. The vulnerability history is also clean, with zero known CVEs, which suggests a history of stable and secure code.

While the analysis reveals no immediate risks, the complete absence of nonces and capability checks across all identified (or lack thereof) entry points is a notable concern. Although the current attack surface is zero, any future introduction of functionality that accepts user input without these fundamental security measures could lead to vulnerabilities. The taint analysis also shows zero flows, which is excellent, but it's important to remember that static analysis might not catch all dynamic or complex vulnerabilities. In conclusion, this plugin appears to be very secure at its current state and version, with a strong emphasis on safe coding practices. The main area for potential future improvement would be to ensure that any new features incorporate appropriate nonce and capability checks from the outset.

Key Concerns

  • No capability checks found
  • No nonce checks found
Vulnerabilities
None known

Simpler Syntax Highlighter Security Vulnerabilities

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

Simpler Syntax Highlighter 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

Simpler Syntax Highlighter Attack Surface

Entry Points0
Unprotected0
WordPress Hooks 2
actionwp_enqueue_scriptssimpler-syntax-highlighter.php:42
filtertiny_mce_before_initsimpler-syntax-highlighter.php:51
Maintenance & Trust

Simpler Syntax Highlighter Maintenance & Trust

Maintenance Signals

WordPress version tested4.9.29
Last updatedJan 22, 2018
PHP min version4.3
Downloads1K

Community Trust

Rating0/100
Number of ratings0
Active installs0
Developer Profile

Simpler Syntax Highlighter Developer Profile

Derick Payne

4 plugins · 560 total installs

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

How We Detect Simpler Syntax Highlighter

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

Asset Fingerprints

Asset Paths
/wp-content/plugins/simpler-syntax-highlighter/css/SyntaxHighlighter.css/wp-content/plugins/simpler-syntax-highlighter/js/shCore.js/wp-content/plugins/simpler-syntax-highlighter/js/shBrushBash.js/wp-content/plugins/simpler-syntax-highlighter/js/shBrushCpp.js/wp-content/plugins/simpler-syntax-highlighter/js/shBrushCSharp.js/wp-content/plugins/simpler-syntax-highlighter/js/shBrushCss.js/wp-content/plugins/simpler-syntax-highlighter/js/shBrushDelphi.js/wp-content/plugins/simpler-syntax-highlighter/js/shBrushGroovy.js+10 more
Script Paths
/wp-content/plugins/simpler-syntax-highlighter/js/shCore.js/wp-content/plugins/simpler-syntax-highlighter/js/shBrushBash.js/wp-content/plugins/simpler-syntax-highlighter/js/shBrushCpp.js/wp-content/plugins/simpler-syntax-highlighter/js/shBrushCSharp.js/wp-content/plugins/simpler-syntax-highlighter/js/shBrushCss.js/wp-content/plugins/simpler-syntax-highlighter/js/shBrushDelphi.js+10 more
Version Parameters
simpler-sxhl-stylesimpler_sxhl_coresimpler_sxhl_brush_bashsimpler_sxhl_brush_cppsimpler_sxhl_brush_csharpsimpler_sxhl_brush_csssimpler_sxhl_brush_delphisimpler_sxhl_brush_groovysimpler_sxhl_brush_javasimpler_sxhl_brush_jscriptsimpler_sxhl_brush_phpsimpler_sxhl_brush_pythonsimpler_sxhl_brush_rubysimpler_sxhl_brush_scala.simpler_sxhl_brush_sqlsimpler_sxhl_brush_vbsimpler_sxhl_brush_xml

HTML / DOM Fingerprints

Data Attributes
extended_valid_elements
JS Globals
dp.SyntaxHighlighter.ClipboardSwfdp.SyntaxHighlighter.HighlightAll
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Simpler Syntax Highlighter