CVE-2024-2116 in Christmas Greetings Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/29/2024
The Christmas Greetings plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting via the code parameter in all versions up to, and including, 1.2.5 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that execute if they can successfully trick a user into performing an action such as clicking on a link.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2026
The Christmas Greetings plugin for WordPress represents a critical security vulnerability classified as CVE-2024-2116, which exposes websites to reflected cross-site scripting attacks through improper input validation and output escaping mechanisms. This vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 1.2.5, making it a widespread concern for WordPress administrators who have not yet updated their installations. The flaw specifically manifests through the code parameter, which fails to adequately sanitize user input before processing, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors seeking to inject harmful scripts into web pages. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79, which categorizes improper neutralization of input during web page generation as a primary weakness, directly linking to the core issue of insufficient input sanitization within the plugin's codebase.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code within the context of a victim's browser session. Unauthenticated attackers can craft malicious URLs containing crafted script payloads that, when clicked by unsuspecting users, will execute the injected code in the victim's browser. This creates a significant risk for website administrators and users alike, as the malicious scripts can perform actions such as stealing session cookies, redirecting users to phishing sites, or even modifying website content. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious script is reflected back to the user through the web application's response, making it particularly dangerous as it can be delivered through various vectors including email links, social media posts, or compromised website content.
The security implications of CVE-2024-2116 align with ATT&CK technique T1566.001, which describes the use of spearphishing attachments to gain initial access to systems. This vulnerability essentially provides attackers with a method to deliver malicious payloads through seemingly legitimate website interactions, particularly during the holiday season when users may be more trusting of festive-themed content. The attack vector leverages social engineering principles by tricking users into clicking on malicious links, making it particularly effective against less security-conscious website visitors. The vulnerability's presence in a plugin designed for seasonal greetings creates an additional layer of deception, as users may not expect malicious code to be embedded within holiday-themed content, making the attack more likely to succeed. Organizations using this plugin face increased risk of data breaches, credential theft, and potential compromise of their entire WordPress installation through the exploitation of this reflected XSS vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-2116 must prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the input sanitization and output escaping deficiencies. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring of user access logs to detect suspicious activity patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script execution, while regular security audits of WordPress plugins should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other third-party components. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads targeting reflected XSS vulnerabilities, and establish incident response procedures specifically designed to handle cross-site scripting attacks. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping all WordPress components updated and maintaining robust security practices throughout the web application lifecycle, as even seemingly innocuous plugins can represent significant security risks when not properly maintained.