CVE-2024-13306 in Maps Plugin using Google Maps for WordPress
Summary
by MITRE • 02/15/2025
The Maps Plugin using Google Maps for WordPress WordPress plugin before 1.9.4 does not sanitise and escape some of its settings, which could allow high privilege users such as admin to perform Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks even when the unfiltered_html capability is disallowed (for example in multisite setup).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-13306 affects the Maps Plugin using Google Maps for WordPress, specifically versions prior to 1.9.4. This security flaw represents a critical stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that undermines the plugin's input validation and output escaping mechanisms. The vulnerability occurs within the plugin's handling of user settings where insufficient sanitisation and escaping practices leave the system exposed to malicious script injection attacks. The flaw is particularly concerning because it targets high-privilege users such as administrators, who possess the capability to execute dangerous payloads that can persist across user sessions and affect multiple visitors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly sanitise user-provided input within its settings management system. When administrators configure the plugin's various options and parameters, the input values are not adequately filtered through proper sanitisation routines before being stored in the database or rendered in the user interface. This creates an environment where malicious scripts can be injected into configuration settings and subsequently executed whenever the affected pages are rendered. The vulnerability is exacerbated by the fact that even when WordPress installations restrict the unfiltered_html capability - a common security practice in multisite environments - the flaw still allows for successful exploitation due to the inadequate sanitisation processes.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-13306 extends beyond simple script execution as it enables persistent malicious activities that can compromise entire WordPress installations. Attackers with administrative privileges can inject malicious JavaScript code into the plugin's settings, which then gets executed whenever legitimate users access pages that utilize the map functionality. This stored XSS vulnerability can be leveraged to perform session hijacking, deface the website, steal sensitive data, or redirect users to malicious sites. The vulnerability's persistence across user sessions makes it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where administrators may not immediately notice the compromise, and the attack can remain undetected for extended periods.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications. Additionally, this vulnerability can be classified under ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which covers spearphishing attachments and T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can leverage the stored XSS to establish persistent access and execute further malicious commands. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical failure in the principle of least privilege and input validation, as it allows privileged users to bypass normal security restrictions through improper data handling. Organizations using the affected plugin version should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the patched version 1.9.4, reviewing all existing plugin configurations for potential malicious entries, and implementing additional monitoring for unusual administrative activities. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper security testing and code review processes to identify similar sanitisation gaps in WordPress plugin development practices.