CVE-2024-10181 in Newsletters Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/29/2024
The Newsletters plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the plugin's newsletters_video shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 4.9.9.4 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 vulnerability identified in the WordPress Newsletters plugin represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw that undermines the security of web applications relying on this popular content management system extension. This weakness affects all versions through 4.9.9.4 and stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the plugin's newsletters_video shortcode implementation. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages without appropriate sanitization or escaping measures.
The technical exploitation of this flaw occurs through the manipulation of user-supplied attributes within the newsletters_video shortcode functionality. Attackers with contributor-level privileges or higher can leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious scripts that persist in the application's database. These stored payloads execute whenever any user accesses pages containing the compromised shortcode, creating a persistent threat vector that can affect multiple users simultaneously. The vulnerability demonstrates poor output escaping practices where dynamic content generated from user inputs fails to undergo proper sanitization before being rendered in web contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with a means to escalate privileges and conduct further malicious activities within the compromised WordPress environment. Authenticated attackers can potentially steal session cookies, modify content, redirect users to malicious sites, or even establish backdoors for persistent access. The attack surface is particularly concerning because contributors typically have significant permissions within WordPress installations, including the ability to create and edit posts, manage media, and modify plugin configurations. This vulnerability essentially transforms legitimate user accounts into potential attack vectors that can compromise entire websites.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the Newsletters plugin to version 4.9.9.5 or later which contains the necessary input sanitization and output escaping fixes. Administrators should also implement additional security measures including role-based access controls, regular security audits, and monitoring for unusual user activities. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers script injection attacks, and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws in third-party plugins can create significant security risks. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies to provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities in other components of their WordPress installations.