CVE-2024-10552 in Flexmls IDX Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/25/2025
The Flexmls® IDX Plugin plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the ‘api_key’ and 'api_secret' parameters in all versions up to, and including, 3.14.26 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. The vulnerability was partially patched in version 3.14.25.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2025
The Flexmls® IDX Plugin for WordPress represents a widely used tool that integrates real estate listing data into WordPress websites through IDX (Internet Data Exchange) functionality. This plugin allows users to display property listings from multiple MLS (Multiple Listing Service) systems directly on their WordPress sites. The vulnerability identified in CVE-2024-10552 affects versions up to and including 3.14.26, creating a significant security risk for WordPress installations that rely on this plugin for their real estate content management. The plugin's architecture processes API credentials for connecting to MLS systems, making it a critical component in the data integration pipeline that requires robust security measures.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's handling of the 'api_key' and 'api_secret' parameters. These parameters are used to authenticate connections to external MLS systems and contain sensitive authentication information that should be properly validated and escaped before being processed or stored. The vulnerability manifests as a stored cross-site scripting condition where malicious input can be persisted in the WordPress database and subsequently executed whenever affected pages are accessed. This particular flaw falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities, and more precisely aligns with CWE-116 which deals with improper encoding or escaping of output. The vulnerability's persistence means that once injected, malicious scripts remain active until manually removed or the plugin is updated to a patched version.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is particularly concerning for WordPress sites utilizing the Flexmls® IDX Plugin, as it provides authenticated attackers with Contributor-level access or higher the ability to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages. This means that users who have at minimum contributor privileges can execute malicious code that will affect all visitors accessing pages containing the injected content. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it leverages legitimate user privileges to inject code that can be executed by other users, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the WordPress installation. The vulnerability's existence in multiple versions of the plugin indicates a systemic security issue that affects a broad user base, making it a high-priority concern for WordPress administrators and security teams managing real estate websites. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers Phishing with malicious attachments and T1059 which covers Command and Scripting Interpreter, as the malicious code injection can lead to further compromise of the affected systems.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the patched version 3.14.25 or higher, as the vulnerability was partially addressed in that release. Security teams should conduct thorough audits of affected WordPress installations to identify any potential exploitation attempts, review access controls to ensure only authorized personnel have contributor-level privileges, and implement additional monitoring for suspicious activities in the plugin's configuration areas. The partial patch in version 3.14.25 suggests that while the immediate vulnerability has been addressed, administrators should verify that all instances of the plugin have been updated to the latest secure version. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms for all user-supplied parameters, including API credentials, should be a standard practice for all WordPress plugins handling sensitive authentication information. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper security practices in web application development, particularly for plugins that handle authentication credentials and user privileges within WordPress environments.