CVE-2024-10482 in Media File Rename, Find Unused File, Add Alt Text, Caption, Desc for Image SEO Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/21/2024
The Media File Rename, Find Unused File, Add Alt text, Caption, Desc For Image SEO WordPress plugin before 1.5.0 does not sanitise uploaded SVG files, which could allow users with a role as low as Author to upload a malicious SVG containing XSS payloads.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-10482 affects the Media File Rename WordPress plugin version 1.5.0 and earlier, presenting a critical security risk through improper sanitization of uploaded SVG files. This flaw specifically targets the plugin's handling of Scalable Vector Graphics files, which are commonly used for web imagery and can contain embedded scripting capabilities that make them particularly dangerous when not properly validated. The vulnerability exists because the plugin fails to implement adequate security measures when processing SVG uploads, allowing malicious actors to bypass standard file validation mechanisms.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize SVG files during the upload process, creating an avenue for cross-site scripting attacks. SVG files can contain embedded javascript code, external references, and other potentially harmful elements that execute when the file is rendered in a web browser. Attackers with the role of Author or lower can exploit this weakness by uploading specially crafted SVG files that contain malicious payloads designed to execute unauthorized code in the browsers of other users who view these images. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a critical flaw in input validation and sanitization practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to potentially compromise entire WordPress installations through persistent XSS attacks. When an Author uploads a malicious SVG file, any user who accesses the site and views the image could unknowingly execute the embedded malicious code, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the WordPress environment. The vulnerability particularly affects sites where Authors or Contributors have upload capabilities, as these roles typically do not require extensive security restrictions. This creates a dangerous attack surface where relatively low-privileged users can gain significant control over the site's functionality and user interactions.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-116, which addresses the improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component, and follows patterns described in the ATT&CK framework under T1566 for Phishing and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution. Organizations should immediately upgrade to version 1.5.0 or later of the Media File Rename plugin to remediate this vulnerability, as the fix typically involves implementing proper SVG sanitization techniques that remove or neutralize potentially dangerous elements within the uploaded files. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing additional security measures such as restricting file upload capabilities, implementing content security policies, and monitoring for suspicious file uploads to further mitigate potential exploitation risks.