CVE-2024-2697 in socialdriver-framework Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/17/2024
The socialdriver-framework WordPress plugin before 2024.0.0 does not validate and escape some of its shortcode attributes before outputting them back in the page, which could allow users with a role as low as contributor to perform Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks which could be used against high privilege users such as admins.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2025
The socialdriver-framework WordPress plugin contains a critical stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that affects versions prior to 2024.0.0. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's shortcode processing functionality. The flaw allows users with minimal privileges, specifically contributors, to inject malicious scripts that persist in the WordPress database and execute whenever affected pages are rendered. The vulnerability represents a significant security risk as it can be exploited by attackers who gain access to low-privilege accounts to target higher-privilege users such as administrators. The stored nature of the XSS means that malicious scripts are permanently embedded in the plugin's data handling processes rather than requiring repeated injection attempts. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The attack vector leverages the plugin's shortcode attributes which are processed without proper sanitization before being output to web pages, creating an environment where malicious code can be executed in the context of high-privilege user sessions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the plugin processes shortcode parameters without adequate validation or escaping of user-supplied data. When contributor-level users submit content containing malicious script tags through the plugin's shortcode interface, these inputs are stored in the WordPress database without proper sanitization. Subsequently, when the shortcode is rendered on web pages, the unescaped script content is executed in the browsers of visitors, including administrators who may view the affected content. This creates a persistent threat where the malicious code executes automatically whenever the vulnerable pages are accessed, regardless of the user's role or authentication status. The vulnerability's impact is amplified because it requires minimal privilege levels to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have contributor access. The attack follows the typical stored XSS pattern where malicious input is stored server-side and then served to other users without proper context-dependent encoding.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges, steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions, or redirect users to malicious websites. High-privilege users such as administrators who view pages containing the stored malicious scripts become vulnerable to session hijacking, privilege escalation attacks, and potential complete system compromise. The vulnerability can be exploited to create backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or manipulate plugin functionality to serve attacker-controlled content. Given that WordPress plugins often handle sensitive data and provide administrative interfaces, this vulnerability can serve as a foothold for broader attacks against the entire WordPress installation. The persistence of stored XSS makes this particularly dangerous as the attack remains active until the malicious content is removed from the database, potentially allowing attackers to maintain access over extended periods. This vulnerability also violates fundamental security principles of input validation and output escaping that are essential for preventing XSS attacks in web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrade to the patched version 2024.0.0 or later of the socialdriver-framework plugin, which implements proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms. Administrators should also conduct thorough security audits of all installed plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities and ensure that proper sanitization is implemented for all user-supplied inputs. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against XSS attacks by restricting script execution in web pages. Regular monitoring of plugin updates and maintaining an updated inventory of all installed WordPress components is essential for preventing exploitation of known vulnerabilities. Security hardening practices should include restricting contributor privileges to prevent unauthorized access to plugin features that may expose similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement automated vulnerability scanning tools to detect and remediate XSS vulnerabilities in their web applications. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege in web application development, where all user inputs are properly validated and escaped before being processed or displayed to end users. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 for command and script injection techniques, highlighting the potential for attackers to leverage such flaws for persistent access and privilege escalation within WordPress environments.