CVE-2024-2278 in Themify Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/01/2024
Themify WordPress plugin before 1.4.4 does not sanitise and escape some of its Filters settings, which could allow high privilege users such as admin to perform Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks even when the unfiltered_html capability is disallowed (for example in multisite setup)
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-2278 affects the Themify WordPress plugin version 1.4.3 and earlier, presenting a critical security risk through stored cross-site scripting attacks. This flaw exists within the plugin's Filter settings where insufficient sanitization and escaping mechanisms fail to properly handle user input, creating an avenue for malicious code execution. The vulnerability specifically targets high-privilege users such as administrators who possess the capability to modify plugin settings, making it particularly dangerous in multi-site WordPress environments where administrative access is prevalent.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied data within its Filter configuration parameters. When administrators configure these settings, the plugin accepts input without adequate validation or escaping processes, allowing malicious scripts to be stored within the WordPress database. This stored data then executes whenever the affected pages are loaded, enabling attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that can persist across user sessions and potentially compromise entire WordPress installations. The vulnerability's impact is amplified in multi-site configurations where the unfiltered_html capability may be restricted for security purposes, yet the flaw allows authenticated administrators to bypass these protections through the improperly sanitized Filter settings.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to perform sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. The stored nature of the XSS attack means that malicious code remains persistent within the WordPress environment, allowing attackers to maintain access over extended periods. In multi-site setups where administrators may have varying levels of access control, this vulnerability can serve as a stepping stone for privilege escalation attacks, potentially enabling attackers to compromise multiple sites within a network. The attack vector requires only administrative access to the plugin configuration, making it particularly concerning as it exploits legitimate administrative functionality rather than requiring external exploitation techniques.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on immediate plugin updates to version 1.4.4 or later, which includes proper sanitization and escaping mechanisms for Filter settings. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures such as monitoring plugin configuration changes, restricting administrative privileges to only necessary personnel, and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious script injection attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1548.001 related to privilege escalation through modification of system settings. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins should include verification of sanitization practices, particularly for settings that accept user input, to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced into production environments.