CVE-2024-10189 in Anchor Episodes Index Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/22/2024
The Anchor Episodes Index (Spotify for Podcasters) plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the plugin's anchor_episodes shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 2.1.10 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.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/03/2025
The Anchor Episodes Index plugin for WordPress represents a critical security vulnerability classified as CVE-2024-10189, affecting versions up to and including 2.1.10. This vulnerability manifests as a stored cross-site scripting flaw within the plugin's anchor_episodes shortcode functionality, creating a persistent threat vector that can compromise user sessions and execute malicious code on affected websites. The vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of user-supplied attributes, where insufficient input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms fail to properly validate or escape malicious content before it is stored and subsequently executed.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated attacker possessing contributor-level privileges or higher within the WordPress environment, making it particularly concerning for content management systems where multiple user roles exist. The stored nature of the XSS vulnerability means that malicious scripts injected through the shortcode attributes are permanently saved within the WordPress database, ensuring that every subsequent page load containing the compromised shortcode will execute the injected payload. This persistent execution model aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities where input data is not properly sanitized before being rendered in web pages, and demonstrates how improper input validation can create lasting security risks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to potentially hijack user sessions, steal sensitive cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, and even modify content within the WordPress environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious scripts that redirect users to phishing sites, steal administrative credentials, or establish persistent backdoors within the WordPress installation. The vulnerability's presence in the anchor_episodes shortcode suggests that podcast content creators who rely on this plugin for episode indexing may unknowingly expose their audiences to security risks, particularly when podcast episodes contain malicious attributes or when attackers compromise contributor accounts.
Security mitigation strategies must address both immediate remediation and long-term prevention measures to protect WordPress installations from this vulnerability. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to the latest version of the Anchor Episodes Index plugin where the XSS vulnerability has been patched and proper input sanitization mechanisms have been implemented. Organizations should also implement role-based access controls to limit contributor privileges and ensure that only trusted users have the ability to modify plugin attributes. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers and regular security audits of plugin installations can help detect and prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in other components of the WordPress ecosystem. This vulnerability exemplifies the broader security challenges faced by WordPress users who rely on third-party plugins, highlighting the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and conducting thorough security assessments of all installed plugins. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.001 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as it allows attackers to execute malicious scripts through the web application interface, while also demonstrating the persistent threat model associated with stored XSS vulnerabilities that can maintain long-term access to compromised systems.