CVE-2024-2578 in WP Coder Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/21/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in WPCoder WP Coder allows Stored XSS.This issue affects WP Coder: from n/a through 3.5.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the WPCoder WP Coder plugin for WordPress systems, specifically impacting versions ranging from an unspecified initial version through 3.5. The issue stems from inadequate input sanitization during web page generation processes, creating a persistent security weakness that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability classifies as a stored XSS attack, meaning that malicious code can be permanently stored on the target server and subsequently executed whenever users access affected pages, making it particularly dangerous for widespread exploitation.
The technical flaw occurs within the plugin's handling of user input during the generation of web pages, where data is not properly neutralized before being rendered in the browser context. This failure to sanitize input allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that bypass security controls and execute within the context of the victim's browser session. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core functionality of page generation within WordPress, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing sensitive information, or redirecting users to malicious websites. Attackers can exploit this weakness by submitting crafted input through plugin interfaces or administrative forms that are then stored in the database and executed when pages are rendered.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that compromise entire WordPress installations. An attacker who successfully exploits this stored XSS vulnerability could potentially escalate privileges, steal administrative credentials, or deploy additional malicious payloads through the compromised user sessions. The persistent nature of stored XSS makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where administrators and regular users may be exposed to malicious code simply by viewing affected pages. This weakness undermines the fundamental security model of web applications by allowing attackers to execute code in the context of legitimate users, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the affected plugin versions, implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. Organizations should also consider implementing content security policies to limit script execution contexts and regularly audit plugin installations for known vulnerabilities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1566 related to spearphishing attacks that often leverage XSS vulnerabilities to establish initial access. Security teams should prioritize this vulnerability in their remediation schedules, as stored XSS attacks can remain undetected for extended periods while continuously compromising user sessions and system integrity.