CVE-2024-10182 in Cognito Forms Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2024
The Cognito Forms plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'id' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 2.0.6 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. 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 • 02/18/2025
The vulnerability in the Cognito Forms WordPress plugin represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw that affects versions up to and including 2.0.6. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's handling of the 'id' parameter, creating an avenue for persistent malicious code execution. The vulnerability specifically targets authenticated attackers who possess Contributor-level access or higher privileges within the WordPress environment, making it particularly concerning as it leverages existing user permissions to escalate potential damage.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs when the plugin fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input through the 'id' parameter before processing and storing it within the application's data structures. This insufficient sanitization allows malicious actors to inject crafted script payloads that persist in the database or application memory. When other users subsequently access pages containing these stored malicious scripts, the injected code executes within their browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation of the compromised user environment. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the WordPress ecosystem. Contributors and higher-level users typically have access to sensitive data and administrative functions, making this vector particularly dangerous for privilege escalation attacks. The stored nature of the XSS means that malicious scripts remain active until manually removed by administrators, potentially affecting multiple users over extended periods. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to steal administrator credentials, modify content, or redirect users to malicious sites while maintaining persistent access.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the latest plugin version where the vulnerability has been patched, implementing proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms, and monitoring for suspicious activity in user accounts with elevated privileges. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious script injection attempts, while conducting regular security audits of third-party plugins. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1548.001 for abuse of privileges, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures including privileged access management and user behavior monitoring to prevent exploitation.