CVE-2024-10146 in Simple File List Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/14/2024
The Simple File List WordPress plugin before 6.1.13 does not sanitise and escape a generated URL before outputting it back in an attribute, leading to a Reflected Cross-Site Scripting which could be used against admins.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-10146 affects the Simple File List WordPress plugin version 6.1.12 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that enables reflected cross-site scripting attacks. This issue stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by administrators. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the plugin generates and outputs URLs without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to manipulate URL parameters that are subsequently reflected back to users in HTML attributes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which defines cross-site scripting as a weakness where untrusted data is directly included in web pages without proper validation or escaping. In this case, the plugin fails to apply appropriate sanitization routines to URL parameters before incorporating them into HTML attributes, particularly within the context of file listing functionality. When administrators interact with the plugin's interface or view pages containing maliciously crafted URLs, the reflected scripts execute in their browser context, potentially enabling session hijacking, credential theft, or other malicious activities. The vulnerability's impact is amplified because it targets administrators who typically have elevated privileges and access to sensitive system functions.
From an operational perspective, this reflected XSS vulnerability presents significant risks to WordPress installations using the affected Simple File List plugin. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that, when clicked by administrators, execute arbitrary JavaScript code in their browser sessions. This could lead to unauthorized access to administrative panels, modification of file listings, or even complete system compromise if the attacker can leverage the administrative privileges. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction beyond clicking a malicious link, making it susceptible to phishing campaigns or social engineering attacks. The vulnerability's persistence in the plugin's codebase until version 6.1.13 indicates a prolonged exposure window, increasing the likelihood of exploitation across numerous WordPress installations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-10146 should prioritize immediate patching of the Simple File List plugin to version 6.1.13 or later, which contains the necessary sanitization and escaping fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring of their WordPress installations to identify any instances of the vulnerable plugin version and ensure all affected systems are updated promptly. Additional defensive measures include implementing content security policies that restrict script execution, regular security scanning of web applications, and maintaining updated threat intelligence feeds to identify potential exploitation attempts. Network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious URL patterns that might indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability. The remediation approach should also include user education about the risks of clicking untrusted links and the importance of keeping WordPress plugins updated, as the vulnerability's exploitation relies heavily on social engineering aspects. Security teams should conduct thorough assessments of their WordPress environments to identify any potential compromise indicators and ensure that administrative access controls remain robust against credential theft or session hijacking attempts that could result from this XSS vulnerability.