CVE-2024-1808 in WP Shortcodes Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/28/2024
The WP Shortcodes Plugin — Shortcodes Ultimate plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the plugin's 'su_qrcode' shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 7.0.3 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user supplied attributes. 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 • 04/18/2025
The WP Shortcodes Plugin - Shortcodes Ultimate presents a critical stored cross-site scripting vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-1808 that affects all versions through 7.0.3. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's su_qrcode shortcode implementation. The flaw specifically targets the handling of user-supplied attributes, creating an attack vector that allows malicious actors to inject persistent malicious scripts into WordPress pages. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning because it requires only contributor-level access or higher, making it exploitable by users who already have some level of administrative privileges within the WordPress environment.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as weaknesses in input validation and output escaping. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious input parameters within the su_qrcode shortcode attributes, which are then stored in the WordPress database. When other users access pages containing these injected shortcodes, the stored scripts execute in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further compromise of the WordPress installation. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that the malicious code persists even after the initial injection, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over time.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-1808 extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the WordPress ecosystem. Contributors and above typically have access to various content management functions, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous when combined with other potential attack vectors. The attack surface is widened because the vulnerability affects the shortcode processing system which is frequently used throughout WordPress sites, increasing the likelihood of successful exploitation. This vulnerability can be exploited to steal administrator credentials, modify content, or redirect users to malicious sites, all while remaining隐蔽 and persistent within the legitimate website infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-1808 should include immediate patching to version 7.0.4 or later, which contains the necessary input sanitization and output escaping fixes. Administrators should also implement strict input validation for all shortcode attributes and consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting contributor-level access to only necessary functions and regularly auditing user roles and capabilities. Additionally, monitoring for unusual shortcode usage patterns and implementing web application firewalls can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and output escaping in web applications, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework's application security categories, particularly focusing on the execution of malicious code through web interfaces.