CVE-2024-12153 in GDY Modular Content Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/07/2025
The GDY Modular Content 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, 0.9.91. 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 • 02/15/2025
The GDY Modular Content plugin for WordPress represents a widely used content management extension that allows users to create dynamic modular layouts within their wordpress environments. This particular plugin version range up to and including 0.9.91 contains a critical reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability that fundamentally compromises the security posture of affected wordpress installations. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied input within the plugin's url generation mechanisms, creating an attack vector that can be exploited by unauthenticated threat actors without requiring any privileged access or authentication credentials.
The technical flaw manifests specifically in the plugin's implementation where the add_query_arg function is utilized without adequate escaping of the url parameters. This function is designed to add query arguments to urls but fails to properly sanitize the input values before incorporating them into the final url structure. When user-controllable data flows through this unescaped parameter handling, it creates an environment where malicious javascript code can be injected into the url parameters and subsequently reflected back to users who visit the compromised page. The vulnerability exists because the plugin does not implement proper output escaping techniques that would neutralize potentially harmful script content before it is rendered in the browser context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for various malicious activities. Unauthenticated attackers can craft specially crafted urls containing malicious javascript payloads that, when clicked by unsuspecting users, execute within the context of the victim's browser session. This opens the door to session hijacking attacks, credential theft, defacement of content, and potential redirection to malicious sites. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious code is not stored on the server but rather injected into the response stream when a user accesses a specially crafted url, making it particularly difficult to detect through traditional server-side monitoring approaches.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which covers social engineering through spearphishing with malicious links. The attack requires minimal technical expertise from threat actors as it exploits a common web application vulnerability pattern that has been well-documented in security literature for decades. The fact that this affects a popular wordpress plugin means that the attack surface is significantly expanded, potentially affecting thousands of wordpress installations that have not yet updated to patched versions. Security professionals should note that the vulnerability can be exploited through various vectors including email phishing campaigns, compromised social media accounts, or malicious advertisements that direct users to the crafted malicious urls.
The recommended mitigations include immediate patching of the plugin to a version that properly escapes query arguments before incorporating them into urls. Organizations should implement proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms across all web applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring. Browser-based security measures such as content security policies can provide additional defense-in-depth protection by restricting script execution and preventing the execution of unauthorized javascript code. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other plugins and themes that may be vulnerable to the same class of reflected cross-site scripting flaws. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of clicking suspicious links and the importance of verifying url authenticity remains crucial in preventing exploitation of this vulnerability.