CVE-2024-37259 Scanner

WP Extended is a plugin used within the WordPress framework, providing additional functionalities to website administrators and developers. This plugin is popular among users seeking to extend the capabilities of their WordPress sites beyond the default offerings. It is suitable for both personal and commercial WordPress installations, allowing enhanced customization and control. The plugin is maintained by a community of developers and is typically hosted on platforms like the WordPress Plugin Directory. Users deploy WP Extended to harness better site management, user interface improvements, and other features for richer web experiences. This plugin is specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with other WordPress features, enhancing overall site efficiency and user engagement.

The Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in WP Extended allows attackers to inject arbitrary scripts into web pages viewed by other users. This vulnerability arises due to a lack of proper input sanitization and output escaping in the plugin's code. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to execute unauthorized scripts in the context of the victim's browser. The malicious scripts can lead to unauthorized actions being taken on behalf of users, such as stealing credentials or altering website content. XSS is a common web vulnerability that affects numerous web applications, including plugins such as WP Extended. Addressing this vulnerability generally involves updating the plugin to a version where the issue is remediated.

Technically, the vulnerability in WP Extended is due to inadequate filtering and escaping of user-supplied input in the plugin's interface. This allows attackers to manipulate input fields or URL parameters that are inadequately validated, storing a payload that executes undesirable actions. The vulnerable endpoint appears when a user accesses specific pages with the injected scripts. In this scenario, the use of payloads such as script tags can result in scripts executing in the browser context of site visitors. This kind of vulnerability requires users to interact with manipulated input, often something attackers can engineer through phishing or other deceptive practices. Proper sanitization and validation procedures can mitigate such risks.

When exploited, this vulnerability can lead to the execution of malicious scripts in the browsers of unsuspecting users. The consequences range from stealing cookies, session identifiers, and other sensitive data to carrying out actions on behalf of users without consent. Such actions might include changing settings, deleting data, or propagating the malicious payload further. Over time, the integrity of the site can be significantly compromised, leading to a loss of user trust and potentially legal ramifications for data breaches. The broader impacts on network security and data confidentiality further expand the repercussions of this vulnerability.

REFERENCES

• https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/2d90ca7d-e957-4ac6-b1f1-2d631bffa2e8/
• https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/wordpress-plugins/wpextended/the-ultimate-wordpress-toolkit-wp-extended-247-unauthenticated-stored-cross-site-scripting
• https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3099195/wpextended
• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-37259