CVE-2024-11774 in Outdooractive Embed Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/20/2024
The Outdooractive Embed plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the plugin's 'list2go' shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 1.5 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 • 02/17/2025
The Outdooractive Embed plugin for WordPress represents a critical security vulnerability through its stored cross-site scripting flaw identified as CVE-2024-11774. This vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 1.5, making it a widespread concern for WordPress installations that utilize this plugin. The flaw specifically resides within the plugin's 'list2go' shortcode implementation, where insufficient input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms fail to properly validate or escape user-supplied attributes. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-79 which defines cross-site scripting as a common web application security flaw occurring when applications fail to properly validate or escape user input before rendering it in web pages. Security researchers have identified that authenticated attackers possessing contributor-level access or higher can exploit this weakness to inject malicious scripts into web pages, creating a persistent threat that executes whenever users access affected pages.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of shortcode attributes within the plugin's functionality. When an attacker with appropriate privileges submits malicious input through the 'list2go' shortcode parameters, the plugin fails to adequately sanitize this input before storing it in the database. This stored data is then retrieved and rendered on web pages without proper output escaping, creating an environment where JavaScript code can execute in the context of other users' browsers. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as it allows for session hijacking, data theft, and potential privilege escalation attacks. This vulnerability demonstrates a failure in the principle of least privilege and proper input validation, which are fundamental security measures recommended by the OWASP Top Ten and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that the malicious scripts persist in the database, making the attack vector particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over extended periods without requiring repeated exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-11774 extends beyond immediate script execution to encompass broader security implications for WordPress environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal cookies, session tokens, and potentially access sensitive administrative functions. The vulnerability's presence in the plugin's shortcode functionality means that even users who do not directly interact with the plugin may be affected when visiting pages containing compromised content. This makes the attack surface particularly broad and difficult to monitor effectively. Organizations using this plugin face increased risk of data breaches, as the stored XSS can facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as credential harvesting, man-in-the-middle attacks, and the establishment of backdoors. The vulnerability also violates key security principles outlined in the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code within user browsers. The impact is amplified by the fact that contributors and above can exploit this vulnerability, indicating that even users with relatively limited privileges can cause significant damage to WordPress installations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-11774 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the sanitization and escaping deficiencies. System administrators should implement strict input validation and output escaping mechanisms throughout their WordPress environments, particularly for shortcode implementations and user-supplied content. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script execution, though this serves as a secondary defense mechanism. Regular security audits and monitoring of user activity should be conducted to identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious shortcode parameter inputs. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security testing and code review processes, particularly for plugins that handle user input in web applications. Additionally, implementing role-based access controls and limiting contributor privileges where possible can reduce the attack surface. Security teams should also establish incident response procedures specifically addressing XSS vulnerabilities, ensuring rapid identification and remediation of similar issues across their WordPress infrastructure. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining updated plugins and following secure coding practices as recommended by industry standards including the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and NIST guidelines for web application security.