CVE-2024-10151 in Auto iFrame Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/08/2025
The Auto iFrame WordPress plugin before 2.0 does not validate and escape some of its shortcode attributes before outputting them back in a page/post where the shortcode is embed, which could allow users with the contributor role and above to perform Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-10151 affects the Auto iFrame WordPress plugin version 2.0 and earlier, presenting a critical security risk through stored cross-site scripting exploitation. This flaw exists within the plugin's handling of shortcode attributes, where insufficient input validation and output escaping mechanisms leave the system susceptible to malicious code injection. The vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's shortcode processing functionality, which is designed to embed iframe content within WordPress posts and pages. Attackers with contributor-level privileges or higher can leverage this weakness to inject malicious scripts that will execute in the context of other users who view the affected content, making this a significant concern for WordPress site administrators and security professionals.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize and escape shortcode attributes before rendering them in the output HTML. When a user with appropriate permissions creates or modifies content using the Auto iFrame shortcode, the plugin processes the attributes without adequate validation checks. This lack of proper sanitization creates a persistent XSS vector where malicious scripts can be stored within the WordPress database and subsequently executed whenever the affected page is loaded. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which classifies the issue as Cross-Site Scripting, specifically highlighting the failure to properly escape output data. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious code persists in the database and can affect multiple users over time, unlike reflected XSS which requires specific user interaction to trigger.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-10151 extends beyond simple script execution, potentially enabling attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. An attacker could craft a malicious shortcode that, when viewed by another user, would execute scripts that steal cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or even modify content on the affected WordPress installation. The contributor role access level is particularly concerning because it represents a relatively low privilege level that can still cause significant damage in compromised environments. This vulnerability essentially provides an attacker with a persistent backdoor mechanism within the WordPress content management system, potentially allowing for long-term compromise of the affected site. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which covers the use of malicious content to gain initial access through web application vulnerabilities.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Auto iFrame plugin version 2.0 or later to remediate this vulnerability, as no effective workarounds exist for the current implementation. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive monitoring of user activity within WordPress installations, particularly around content creation and modification processes that utilize shortcodes. Security teams should implement regular vulnerability assessments of WordPress plugins and maintain updated security policies that address the risks associated with user privileges and content management. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies to add additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities. The incident highlights the critical importance of proper input validation and output escaping in web applications, particularly those handling user-generated content, and reinforces the necessity of regular security updates and patch management processes.