CVE-2024-13499 in GamiPress Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/22/2025
The The GamiPress – Gamification plugin to reward points, achievements, badges & ranks in WordPress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary shortcode execution via gamipress_do_shortcode() function in all versions up to, and including, 7.2.1. This is due to the software allowing users to execute an action that does not properly validate a value before running do_shortcode. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary shortcodes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-13499 affects the GamiPress plugin for WordPress, a popular gamification solution designed to reward users with points, achievements, badges, and ranks. This security flaw exists within the gamipress_do_shortcode() function and impacts all plugin versions up to and including 7.2.1. The issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before executing the do_shortcode() WordPress function. This allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary shortcodes without authentication, potentially leading to severe security consequences for affected WordPress installations. The vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the plugin's access control and input processing logic, as it enables remote code execution through crafted shortcode parameters that bypass normal security restrictions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper validation of shortcode parameters within the gamipress_do_shortcode() function. When the plugin processes user input through this function, it fails to implement adequate sanitization or validation checks before passing the data to WordPress's native do_shortcode() mechanism. This creates an attack surface where unauthenticated users can submit malicious shortcode content that gets executed within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, specifically targeting the execution of untrusted code through shortcode processing. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary shortcodes that may include malicious code, potentially leading to full system compromise or data exfiltration.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-13499 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities within the compromised WordPress environment. Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this vulnerability to inject malicious shortcodes that may redirect users to phishing sites, steal cookies and session data, or even install backdoors for persistent access. The vulnerability's scope is particularly concerning because it affects a widely used plugin with numerous installations across WordPress networks. This flaw can be exploited to escalate privileges, modify content, or manipulate user achievements and points systems, potentially undermining the integrity of gamification features. Additionally, the vulnerability may enable attackers to leverage other WordPress vulnerabilities or perform lateral movement within compromised networks, as demonstrated by ATT&CK technique T1059.001 - Command and Scripting Interpreter.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from WordPress administrators and security teams. The most effective immediate solution involves updating the GamiPress plugin to version 7.2.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the input validation weakness in the gamipress_do_shortcode() function. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious shortcode injection attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual shortcode execution patterns or unauthorized content modifications. Additional defensive measures include implementing proper input validation at multiple layers, restricting plugin capabilities through WordPress user role management, and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper parameter validation and input sanitization in WordPress plugins, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all WordPress installations.