CVE-2024-2334 in Template Kit Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/10/2024
The Template Kit – Import plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the template upload functionality in all versions up to, and including, 1.0.14 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with author access and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-2334 affects the Template Kit - Import plugin for WordPress, representing a critical stored cross-site scripting weakness that undermines the security integrity of affected systems. This flaw exists within the template upload functionality of the plugin, impacting all versions up to and including 1.0.14, making it a widespread concern for WordPress administrators and security professionals. The vulnerability specifically targets the insufficient input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms that should normally protect against malicious script injection attempts.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an authenticated attacker possessing at least author-level privileges within the WordPress environment, which significantly reduces the barrier to successful exploitation compared to vulnerabilities requiring administrative access. Attackers can leverage this weakness by uploading malicious templates that contain embedded scripts, which then get stored within the WordPress system and executed whenever any user accesses pages containing the injected content. This stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious payload persists even after the initial upload, creating a continuous threat vector that can affect multiple users over time.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for WordPress installations that utilize the affected plugin, particularly those with multiple authors or contributors who may inadvertently trigger the execution of malicious scripts. The stored XSS vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts in the context of the victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The attack surface extends beyond simple script execution to include potential data exfiltration and further compromise of the WordPress environment, as successful exploitation can enable attackers to escalate privileges or access sensitive administrative functions.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications, and demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms in web applications. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving client-side exploitation and persistence within web applications, potentially enabling adversaries to maintain access through the execution of malicious scripts. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including plugin updates to versions that address the vulnerability, along with comprehensive monitoring for suspicious template uploads and user activities that might indicate exploitation attempts.
Mitigation efforts should prioritize the immediate upgrade of the Template Kit - Import plugin to a version that includes proper input sanitization and output escaping measures, while also implementing additional security controls such as role-based access restrictions and enhanced monitoring of template upload activities. Security teams should conduct thorough audits of affected systems to identify any potential exploitation attempts and implement network-based protections to detect and prevent malicious script execution. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date plugins and themes, as well as implementing robust security practices that include regular vulnerability assessments and continuous monitoring of application components to prevent similar issues from compromising system integrity and user security.