CVE-2024-11432 in SuevaFree Essential Kit Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/21/2024
The SuevaFree Essential Kit plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the plugin's 'counter' shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 1.1.3 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user supplied attributes. 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2025
The SuevaFree Essential Kit plugin for WordPress presents a critical security vulnerability classified as stored cross-site scripting in versions up to and including 1.1.3. This vulnerability specifically affects the plugin's 'counter' shortcode implementation where insufficient input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms fail to properly validate or escape user-supplied attributes. The flaw exists within the plugin's core functionality that processes shortcode parameters, creating an avenue for malicious code injection that persists in the database and executes during normal page rendering operations. The vulnerability represents a significant risk to WordPress installations that utilize this plugin, particularly in environments where multiple user roles exist with varying levels of administrative privileges.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of shortcode attributes within the counter functionality, allowing authenticated attackers who possess contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious JavaScript code. The flaw stems from the plugin's failure to implement proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms when processing user-provided data through the shortcode interface. This creates a persistent XSS vector where malicious scripts become stored within the WordPress database and execute whenever legitimate users access pages containing the compromised shortcode. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the plugin's shortcode processing engine, which lacks adequate sanitization of attribute values before they are rendered in web pages. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it enables attackers to perform a range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. Authenticated attackers can leverage this vulnerability to manipulate user sessions, redirect visitors to malicious sites, or inject additional malicious code that could compromise the entire WordPress installation. The vulnerability affects all users who access pages containing the compromised counter shortcode, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where contributors and editors may inadvertently create malicious content. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the injected scripts persist indefinitely until manually removed, creating a long-term security risk that can affect any user who views affected pages. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for credential access through malicious content and T1588.001 for development of malware.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action including updating to the latest plugin version where the XSS flaw has been addressed through proper input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms. Administrators should implement the principle of least privilege by restricting contributor-level access to only necessary functionality and regularly auditing user roles and permissions. The recommended approach involves applying the vendor-provided security patch as soon as it becomes available, while also implementing additional security measures such as web application firewalls and content security policies. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their WordPress installations to identify any other plugins or themes that may be susceptible to similar vulnerabilities. Regular security monitoring and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure that all WordPress components remain up-to-date with the latest security patches. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and output escaping in web application development, particularly for plugins that process user-supplied content through shortcode interfaces.