CVE-2024-10117 in WP Crowdfunding Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2024
The WP Crowdfunding plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the plugin's wpcf_donate shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 2.1.11 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user supplied attributes. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with contributor-level access and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2025
The WP Crowdfunding plugin for WordPress represents a significant security vulnerability classified as CVE-2024-10117, which affects all versions up to and including 2.1.11. This vulnerability manifests as a stored cross-site scripting flaw that specifically targets the plugin's wpcf_donate shortcode functionality. The issue arises from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms that fail to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied attributes before processing them within the plugin's shortcode implementation. Security researchers have identified that this weakness creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by authenticated attackers possessing contributor-level privileges or higher, making it particularly concerning given the relatively low privilege requirements needed to execute the attack.
The technical flaw stems from the plugin's insufficient validation of shortcode attributes provided by users through the wpcf_donate shortcode functionality. When administrators or contributors create or modify content using this shortcode, the plugin fails to properly sanitize the input parameters before storing them within the WordPress database. This stored data then gets rendered on pages without adequate output escaping, creating an environment where malicious scripts can be executed in the context of any user who accesses the affected pages. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments, though in this case the attack vector is more subtle as it requires legitimate user privileges. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that once the malicious code is injected, it persists until manually removed, creating a long-term threat that can affect multiple users over time.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with persistent access to victim environments through the contributor-level privilege escalation. An attacker with contributor access can inject malicious JavaScript code that executes whenever legitimate users view pages containing the compromised shortcode, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further privilege escalation. The attack chain begins with an authenticated user who can modify content through the WordPress admin interface, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where multiple contributors have access to the system. The stored nature of the XSS means that even if the original attacker loses access or the initial injection is discovered, the malicious code continues to execute for all users who encounter the affected content. This creates a persistent threat that can be leveraged for data exfiltration, cookie theft, or redirection to malicious sites, with potential for broader compromise of the WordPress installation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-10117 require immediate action including updating to the latest available version of the WP Crowdfunding plugin where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms. Administrators should implement the principle of least privilege by restricting contributor-level access to only those users who absolutely require such permissions, as this reduces the attack surface for potential exploitation. Additional protective measures include monitoring for unauthorized shortcode modifications, implementing content security policies to limit script execution, and conducting regular security audits of plugin installations to identify similar vulnerabilities. The fix for this vulnerability should include robust input validation using WordPress's built-in sanitization functions, proper output escaping through wp_kses() or similar mechanisms, and comprehensive testing of all shortcode parameters to ensure they cannot be used to inject malicious content. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious shortcode parameter patterns, and establish procedures for regularly updating all WordPress plugins and themes to maintain security posture against known vulnerabilities.