CVE-2024-1761 in WP Chat App Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/07/2024
The WP Chat App plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the plugin's widget/block in all versions up to, and including, 3.6.1 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user supplied attributes such as 'buttonColor' and 'phoneNumber'. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with contributor-level and above permissions 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 • 04/17/2025
The WP Chat App plugin for WordPress represents a critical security vulnerability classified as CVE-2024-1761, which affects all versions up to and including 3.6.1. This vulnerability manifests as a stored cross-site scripting flaw that specifically targets the plugin's widget and block functionality, creating a persistent threat vector within WordPress environments. The flaw resides in the plugin's inadequate handling of user-supplied input data, particularly within attributes such as 'buttonColor' and 'phoneNumber' parameters that are processed through the widget interface. Security researchers have identified this as a significant risk because it allows authenticated attackers who possess contributor-level permissions or higher to execute malicious code within the context of the victim's browser session. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack chain where malicious input is stored within the WordPress database and subsequently executed whenever legitimate users access pages containing the compromised widget content, effectively creating a persistent backdoor for attackers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, which directly correlates to CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation. This weakness allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code through seemingly benign parameters that are meant to customize the appearance and functionality of the chat widget. The 'buttonColor' attribute serves as a vector for injecting CSS and JavaScript commands that can manipulate the visual presentation and execution flow of web pages, while 'phoneNumber' parameter becomes a conduit for executing arbitrary code through malformed input sequences. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious payload persists in the database and executes automatically whenever the affected pages are loaded, making it particularly dangerous for high-traffic WordPress installations where numerous users might encounter the compromised content. This type of vulnerability is categorized under the ATT&CK framework as T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, where the malicious code serves as the payload that executes upon page access rather than traditional email-based delivery mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-1761 extends far beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within WordPress environments and enables various malicious activities including data exfiltration, session hijacking, and further privilege escalation. An attacker with contributor-level access can craft malicious payloads that exploit the stored XSS vulnerability to steal cookies, access user sessions, and potentially escalate privileges to administrator level through additional attack vectors. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers with moderate skill levels to compromise entire WordPress installations. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that once exploited, the malicious code will continue executing until manually removed from the database, potentially affecting all users who access the compromised pages. Organizations using the WP Chat App plugin are at risk of having their users' browser sessions compromised, leading to potential data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive information, and possible regulatory compliance violations. The impact is exacerbated by the fact that many WordPress installations lack proper monitoring and alerting mechanisms for such persistent threats, allowing attackers to maintain access for extended periods without detection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-1761 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input sanitization and output escaping implementations. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to the latest version of the WP Chat App plugin where the vulnerability has been patched and properly addressed through enhanced input validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring of their WordPress installations to detect any unauthorized modifications to widget parameters or database entries that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should establish strict input validation procedures for all user-supplied attributes within plugin functionalities, ensuring that all parameters are properly escaped before being stored or rendered in web pages. Additionally, implementing content security policies and regular security audits of WordPress plugins can help identify similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. The remediation process should include thorough database scanning for any existing malicious payloads and user access reviews to ensure that only authorized personnel maintain contributor-level permissions. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and security monitoring solutions that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting known vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins, particularly those with stored XSS characteristics. Regular security training for content managers and administrators can help reduce the risk of successful exploitation by ensuring that users understand the importance of not injecting untrusted code into plugin parameters and maintaining vigilant monitoring of website content.