CVE-2024-13441 in Bilingual Linker Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/25/2025
The Bilingual Linker plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the bl_otherlang_link_1 parameter in all versions up to, and including, 2.4 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. 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 • 02/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-13441 affects the Bilingual Linker plugin for WordPress, a widely used tool for creating multilingual websites. This plugin enables users to establish links between different language versions of their content, facilitating seamless navigation across translated pages. The vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of user input through the bl_otherlang_link_1 parameter, which is processed without adequate sanitization measures. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that directly impacts the integrity and security of WordPress installations using this specific plugin.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's codebase. When authenticated users with Contributor-level permissions or higher submit data containing malicious script code through the affected parameter, the system fails to properly sanitize this input before storing it in the database. The lack of proper output escaping means that when this stored data is later rendered on web pages, the malicious scripts execute in the context of other users' browsers. This creates a classic stored cross-site scripting scenario where the attacker's code becomes permanently embedded within the website's content and executes whenever any user accesses the affected pages.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to WordPress website administrators and their users. The requirement for only Contributor-level access demonstrates that this vulnerability can be exploited by users who typically have limited permissions within a WordPress environment, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by insiders or compromised accounts with relatively low privileges. The impact extends beyond simple script execution, as attackers could potentially steal user sessions, deface websites, redirect users to malicious sites, or harvest sensitive information from authenticated users. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious code persists even after the initial injection, creating ongoing security risks for all users who access the compromised pages.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious content. Organizations using the Bilingual Linker plugin must implement immediate mitigations including updating to the latest plugin version, implementing proper input validation measures, and conducting thorough security audits of all user-contributed content. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious activity patterns. The recommended approach includes disabling the vulnerable plugin until a patched version is available, implementing role-based access controls to limit contributor permissions, and establishing regular security scanning procedures to identify similar vulnerabilities across the entire WordPress ecosystem. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input sanitization and output escaping in web applications, particularly those handling user-generated content in content management systems.