CVE-2024-2470 in Simple Ajax Chat Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/04/2024
The Simple Ajax Chat WordPress plugin before 20240412 does not sanitise and escape some of its 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)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2026
The Simple Ajax Chat WordPress plugin vulnerability CVE-2024-2470 represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw that affects versions prior to 20240412. This vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of user settings where insufficient sanitization and escaping mechanisms are implemented. The flaw allows attackers with administrative privileges to inject malicious scripts that persist within the plugin's configuration settings, creating a stored XSS vector that can affect other users who interact with the chat functionality. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multisite WordPress environments where the unfiltered_html capability is typically restricted to prevent arbitrary HTML injection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly validate and sanitize input parameters within its settings management system. When administrators configure chat parameters or modify plugin settings, the input data flows directly into the application's storage mechanisms without adequate sanitization processes. This creates a persistent XSS vulnerability where malicious scripts can be stored in the database and executed whenever other users access the chat interface or related administrative pages. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with potential access to administrative functions and user data within the WordPress environment. In multisite configurations where the unfiltered_html capability is disabled, attackers can still leverage this vulnerability to bypass security restrictions and execute malicious code within the context of the victim's browser session. This allows for session hijacking, credential theft, and potential privilege escalation within the WordPress administration area. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious payloads remain active until manually removed from the plugin settings, creating an ongoing security risk for all users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-2470 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 20240412 or later, which includes proper sanitization and escaping mechanisms for all user-controllable settings. Administrators should also implement additional security measures including regular security audits of plugin configurations, monitoring for unauthorized changes to chat settings, and implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious script payloads. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1548.001 which covers privilege escalation through abuse of administrative access. Organizations should also consider implementing strict input validation policies and restricting administrative privileges to only essential personnel to minimize the attack surface available to potential attackers.