CVE-2024-10103 in MailPoet Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/19/2024
In the process of testing the MailPoet WordPress plugin before 5.3.2, a vulnerability was found that allows you to implement Stored XSS on behalf of the editor by embedding malicious script, which entails account takeover backdoor
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-10103 affects the MailPoet WordPress plugin version 5.3.1 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that enables attackers to execute stored cross-site scripting attacks. This vulnerability specifically targets users with editor roles within WordPress installations, creating a significant risk for account takeover and unauthorized access to sensitive administrative functions. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's processing logic, allowing malicious scripts to be permanently stored and subsequently executed when legitimate users access affected pages.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data within the MailPoet plugin's content handling processes. When editors create or modify newsletter content, the plugin fails to properly escape or validate script tags and other potentially malicious code embedded in the input fields. This stored data becomes persistent within the plugin's database and executes whenever the content is rendered to users, particularly those with administrative privileges. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a classic case of stored XSS where malicious payloads are injected into the application's database rather than being reflected in HTTP responses.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-10103 extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway for comprehensive account takeover and persistent backdoor access. Once an attacker successfully injects malicious scripts through the vulnerable plugin interface, they can harvest session cookies, credentials, or manipulate user permissions to establish long-term access to the WordPress installation. This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers with minimal privileges, making it particularly dangerous as it allows unauthorized individuals to gain elevated access through the editor role. The backdoor functionality enables attackers to maintain persistent access even after initial compromise, creating ongoing security risks for organizations relying on affected MailPoet installations.
Security professionals should prioritize immediate patching of affected MailPoet installations to version 5.3.2 or later, which contains the necessary input validation and output escaping fixes. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and conduct thorough security assessments of their WordPress environments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins or themes. The mitigation strategy should include regular security audits, implementation of web application firewalls, and enforcement of strict input validation policies. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing role-based access controls and monitoring user activities for suspicious behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and output escaping in web applications, particularly those handling user-generated content, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter usage and T1566.001 for credential access through social engineering attacks that leverage XSS vulnerabilities.