CVE-2024-1073 in Analytics Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/02/2024
The SlimStat Analytics plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'filter_array' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 5.1.3 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber-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 • 04/11/2026
The SlimStat Analytics plugin for WordPress represents a widely used tool for tracking website analytics and user behavior, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit vulnerabilities within WordPress ecosystems. This particular vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 5.1.3, indicating a significant attack surface that has remained unpatched for an extended period. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, specifically concerning the 'filter_array' parameter that processes user input for analytics filtering operations.
The technical flaw manifests as a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows authenticated attackers with subscriber-level privileges or higher to inject malicious scripts into the plugin's data handling processes. When legitimate users access pages containing the injected scripts, these malicious payloads execute in their browsers, creating a persistent threat vector that can affect multiple users over time. This stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious code is saved within the application's database rather than being executed through a single request, making it particularly dangerous as the payload remains active until manually removed or the plugin is updated.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the WordPress environment. Subscribers typically have limited access to basic content management functions, but this vulnerability allows them to escalate their privileges or manipulate the analytics data in ways that could affect site integrity and user privacy. Attackers could potentially redirect users to malicious sites, steal session cookies, or even inject additional malicious code that could compromise the entire WordPress installation. The vulnerability's presence in a plugin that tracks user behavior creates a particularly concerning scenario where attackers can monitor and manipulate analytics data while maintaining persistent access.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and it maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1566 for social engineering and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage. The primary mitigation strategy involves immediate patching of the SlimStat Analytics plugin to version 5.1.4 or later, where the input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms have been properly implemented. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as role-based access control restrictions on plugin management features, regular security audits of installed plugins, and monitoring for suspicious activity in analytics data. Network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for potential exploitation attempts, and administrators should conduct thorough security assessments to identify any potential compromise of the affected systems.