CVE-2024-11368 in Splash Sync Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/06/2024
The Splash Sync 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, 2.0.6. 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 • 02/21/2025
The Splash Sync plugin for WordPress represents a critical security vulnerability classified as CVE-2024-11368, which manifests as a reflected cross-site scripting flaw. This vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 2.0.6, creating a significant risk for WordPress installations that utilize this plugin. The flaw stems from improper handling of URL parameters within the plugin's codebase, specifically through the use of add_query_arg function without adequate escaping mechanisms. The vulnerability operates by allowing malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into web pages that are subsequently executed when users navigate to affected URLs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the plugin's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamically generated URLs. When the add_query_arg function processes parameters without appropriate HTML escaping, it creates an opening for attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code into URL query strings. This reflected XSS vulnerability occurs because the plugin does not validate or escape the input parameters before they are embedded into the HTML output, allowing attackers to craft malicious URLs that, when clicked by unsuspecting users, execute arbitrary scripts within the user's browser context. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication from the attacker, making it accessible to anyone who can influence a user to click a malicious link.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities against affected users. An attacker could potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, deface web pages, or execute other malicious payloads that exploit the user's browser context. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious script is not stored on the server but is instead reflected back to the user through the web application's response, making it particularly difficult to detect and prevent. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-79 which identifies cross-site scripting as a fundamental web application security flaw, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which covers spearphishing via web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the Splash Sync plugin to the latest available version that addresses the reflected XSS flaw. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output escaping mechanisms throughout their web applications, particularly when handling URL parameters. The use of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script execution, while regular security audits of third-party plugins should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities. Security teams should also implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious URL patterns, and maintain awareness of the specific vulnerable versions to ensure proper patch management across all WordPress installations. Regular monitoring of plugin repositories and security advisories is essential to maintain protection against similar vulnerabilities that may arise in the future.