CVE-2024-11032 in Parsi Date Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/26/2024
The Parsi Date plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting due to the use of add_query_arg without appropriate escaping on the URL in all versions up to, and including, 5.1.1. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that execute if they can successfully trick a user into performing an action such as clicking on a link.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2025
The Parsi Date plugin for WordPress presents a significant security vulnerability classified as reflected cross-site scripting within versions up to and including 5.1.1. This flaw stems from improper handling of URL parameters through the add_query_arg function which fails to apply adequate escaping mechanisms before incorporating user-supplied data into web pages. The vulnerability affects the plugin's core functionality by allowing malicious actors to inject executable script code that will execute in the context of a victim's browser when they interact with compromised pages.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the plugin processes URL parameters without sufficient sanitization or encoding, creating an attack surface where reflected payloads can be delivered through manipulated query strings. This weakness directly maps to CWE-79 which defines cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as failures to properly escape output data, and specifically aligns with CWE-74 which addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in HTML markup. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication to exploit, making it accessible to any user who can manipulate URL parameters.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection as it creates opportunities for attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to phishing sites. The reflected nature of the attack means that malicious payloads are not stored on the server but rather injected through URL parameters, making detection more challenging while maintaining persistent exploitation potential. This vulnerability can be leveraged in conjunction with social engineering tactics to trick users into clicking malicious links, thereby executing scripts in their browser context without requiring any privileged access or authentication credentials.
The attack vector for this vulnerability typically involves crafting malicious URLs that contain script payloads and distributing them through various channels such as email, forums, or compromised websites. When a victim clicks on these links, the malicious code becomes reflected back to their browser and executes within the context of the WordPress site, potentially compromising user sessions and enabling further attacks. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently interact with external links or when the plugin is used in high-traffic sites.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of affected versions and implementation of proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms. The recommended approach includes updating to the latest version of the plugin where the vulnerability has been addressed, applying proper HTML escaping to all URL parameters using WordPress's built-in esc_url() or similar functions, and implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution. Organizations should also consider monitoring for suspicious URL patterns and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting this specific vulnerability.
The remediation process involves not only updating the plugin but also conducting thorough security assessments of other WordPress plugins that may exhibit similar vulnerabilities in their parameter handling. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which covers web shell deployment through reflected XSS attacks. Organizations should implement regular security audits and maintain updated threat intelligence to identify and address similar vulnerabilities across their WordPress installations, particularly focusing on input validation and output encoding practices that prevent exploitation of reflected XSS vectors.