CVE-2024-0591 in wpDataTables Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/13/2024
The wpDataTables – WordPress Data Table, Dynamic Tables & Table Charts Plugin plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting via the 'A' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 3.4.2.2 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that execute if they can successfully trick a user into performing an action such as clicking on a link.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2026
The wpDataTables WordPress plugin presents a significant security vulnerability classified as CVE-2024-0591, affecting versions through 3.4.2.2. This vulnerability manifests as a reflected cross-site scripting flaw that exploits the 'A' parameter within the plugin's functionality. The issue stems from inadequate input sanitization mechanisms and insufficient output escaping practices that fail to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied data before processing. The vulnerability exists within the plugin's dynamic table generation and charting capabilities where user input is directly incorporated into the plugin's output without proper security controls. This creates an attack surface that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into web pages that are subsequently executed by unsuspecting users. The reflected nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious script is reflected off the web server rather than being stored, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that process user input through URL parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing script code within the 'A' parameter and delivers it to victims through social engineering tactics or phishing campaigns. When an unsuspecting user clicks on the crafted link, the malicious script executes in the victim's browser within the context of the vulnerable WordPress site. This allows attackers to perform actions such as stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, defacing web pages, or executing unauthorized operations on behalf of the victim. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 3.4.2.2, indicating that the plugin developers failed to implement proper input validation and output sanitization measures. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities, while the ATT&CK framework would categorize this under T1566 for Phishing and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter techniques. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable more sophisticated attacks including credential theft, session hijacking, and potential privilege escalation within the WordPress environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial for WordPress administrators and end-users who rely on the wpDataTables plugin for data visualization and table management. Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this vulnerability without requiring any prior access credentials or authentication, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible WordPress installations. The reflected nature of the XSS vulnerability means that the attack can be delivered through various channels including email campaigns, social media, or compromised websites that link to the vulnerable plugin. Organizations using this plugin face potential data breaches, reputational damage, and compliance violations if user sessions are compromised. The vulnerability also represents a vector for more advanced attacks such as web application fingerprinting, where attackers can identify the specific plugin version and potentially discover additional vulnerabilities. Security teams must consider this vulnerability as part of their broader threat landscape assessment, particularly when evaluating the security posture of WordPress installations that utilize third-party plugins. The lack of proper input sanitization in the plugin's codebase suggests a systemic issue with security practices that could indicate additional vulnerabilities within the same codebase. This vulnerability underscores the critical importance of regular security audits, input validation, and output escaping mechanisms in web applications, as well as the necessity of keeping third-party plugins updated to address known security issues. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input filtering at the web application firewall level, user education regarding suspicious links, and proactive plugin updates to address this vulnerability.