CVE-2024-1658 in Grid Shortcodes Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/18/2024
The Grid Shortcodes WordPress plugin before 1.1.1 does not validate and escape some of its shortcode attributes before outputting them back in a page/post where the shortcode is embed, which could allow users with the contributor role and above to perform Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-1658 affects the Grid Shortcodes WordPress plugin version 1.1.0 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that enables stored cross-site scripting attacks through improper input validation and output escaping mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of shortcode attributes, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject persistent malicious scripts into WordPress content. The issue arises from the plugin's failure to adequately sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it within HTML output contexts, allowing attackers to exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the browsers of unsuspecting visitors.
The technical flaw manifests in the plugin's shortcode processing logic where certain attributes are directly incorporated into HTML output without proper sanitization or escaping procedures. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects users with the contributor role and above, meaning that attackers with relatively low privileges can leverage this flaw to compromise the entire WordPress installation. The stored nature of the XSS attack means that malicious scripts are permanently embedded within the content and executed every time the affected page or post is loaded, making the impact persistent and potentially widespread. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which categorizes the flaw as a failure to sanitize or incorrectly sanitizing user-supplied data, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, defacement of website content, and redirection to malicious sites. Contributors and higher-privileged users typically have access to create and edit posts, making this attack vector particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to gain a foothold within the WordPress environment. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that once the vulnerability is exploited, the malicious scripts will continue to execute for all users who view the affected content, potentially affecting thousands of visitors over time. This vulnerability also undermines the integrity of the WordPress content management system and can lead to complete compromise of the website's security posture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-1658 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 1.1.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the input validation and output escaping deficiencies. System administrators should also implement additional security measures including input validation at multiple layers, proper output escaping for all dynamic content, and regular security audits of installed plugins. The WordPress security team recommends that all users immediately upgrade their Grid Shortcodes plugin to the latest version to prevent exploitation. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against similar vulnerabilities. Regular monitoring of plugin repositories and security advisories remains crucial for maintaining WordPress security posture, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization in web applications. The incident highlights the necessity of following secure coding practices and adhering to security standards such as those defined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future.