Very Simple Google Maps Security & Risk Analysis

wordpress.org/plugins/very-simple-google-maps

Contains a simple way to add an embedded Google Map to any page or post.

3K active installs v2.9.1 PHP 5.6+ WP 3.3+ Updated May 5, 2025
contactdirectiongooglemaps
91
A · Safe
CVEs total2
Unpatched0
Last CVEOct 23, 2023
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Safety Verdict

Is Very Simple Google Maps Safe to Use in 2026?

Generally Safe

Score 91/100

Very Simple Google Maps has a strong security track record. Known vulnerabilities have been patched promptly. It's a solid choice for most WordPress installations.

2 known CVEsLast CVE: Oct 23, 2023Updated 1yr ago
Risk Assessment

The "very-simple-google-maps" plugin v2.9.1 exhibits a generally good security posture based on the static analysis. The code demonstrates adherence to best practices by not utilizing dangerous functions, performing all SQL queries using prepared statements, and properly escaping all detected outputs. The absence of file operations and external HTTP requests further reduces the attack surface. Furthermore, no taint analysis issues were identified, suggesting that sensitive data is not being improperly handled within the analyzed code paths.

However, the plugin's vulnerability history is a significant concern. With two known medium-severity CVEs, both attributed to Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), it indicates a recurring pattern of input sanitization or output escaping issues in the past. While there are currently no unpatched vulnerabilities, the historical presence of XSS flaws suggests that developers should remain vigilant. The lack of nonce checks and capability checks on its single shortcode entry point, while not currently exploited in a way that appears in the static analysis or taint flows, represents a potential weakness that could be leveraged in conjunction with other vulnerabilities or in future iterations of the plugin.

In conclusion, the plugin's current code is well-written with respect to database interaction and output handling. The primary risk stems from its past vulnerability history, particularly the repeated occurrence of XSS. The absence of explicit nonce and capability checks on its shortcode, though not flagged as an immediate critical issue by the static analysis, is a point of concern that contributes to a slightly elevated risk profile. Users should ensure they are on the latest version and be aware of the historical context.

Key Concerns

  • History of 2 medium severity CVEs
  • Shortcode without nonce checks
  • Shortcode without capability checks
Vulnerabilities
2 published

Very Simple Google Maps Security Vulnerabilities

CVEs by Year

2 CVEs in 2023
2023
Patched Has unpatched

Severity Breakdown

Medium
2

2 total CVEs

CVE-2023-5744medium · 6.4Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')

Very Simple Google Maps <= 2.9 - Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via Shortcode

Oct 23, 2023 Patched in 2.9.1 (92d)
CVE-2023-23864medium · 5.4Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')

Very Simple Google Maps <= 2.8.4 - Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross Site Scripting

Jan 20, 2023 Patched in 2.9 (368d)
Version History

Very Simple Google Maps Release Timeline

No version history available.
Code Analysis
Analyzed Mar 16, 2026

Very Simple Google Maps Code Analysis

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

Output Escaping

100% escaped5 total outputs
Attack Surface

Very Simple Google Maps Attack Surface

Entry Points1
Unprotected0

Shortcodes 1

[vsgmap] very-simple-google-maps.php:24
Maintenance & Trust

Very Simple Google Maps Maintenance & Trust

Maintenance Signals

WordPress version tested6.8.5
Last updatedMay 5, 2025
PHP min version5.6
Downloads45K

Community Trust

Rating90/100
Number of ratings17
Active installs3K
Developer Profile

Very Simple Google Maps Developer Profile

Michael Aronoff

2 plugins · 5K total installs

73
trust score
Avg Security Score
92/100
Avg Patch Time
230 days
View full developer profile
Detection Fingerprints

How We Detect Very Simple Google Maps

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

Asset Fingerprints

HTML / DOM Fingerprints

CSS Classes
vsg-map
Shortcode Output
<div class="vsg-map"><iframe align="
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Very Simple Google Maps