CVE-2024-2732 in Shortcodes Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/26/2024
The Themify Shortcodes plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the plugin's 'themify_post_slider shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 2.0.8 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user supplied attributes. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with contributor-level access and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2026
The Themify Shortcodes plugin for WordPress presents a critical stored cross-site scripting vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-2732 affecting versions up to and including 2.0.8. This vulnerability resides within the plugin's 'themify_post_slider' shortcode implementation, where insufficient input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms fail to properly validate user-supplied attributes. The flaw specifically impacts authenticated attackers who possess contributor-level access or higher privileges within WordPress installations, creating a significant security risk that can be exploited to inject malicious scripts into web pages. The vulnerability operates as a stored XSS attack because the malicious code persists within the application's database and executes whenever affected pages are accessed by other users, making it particularly dangerous for content management systems where multiple users interact with shared content.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which describes cross-site scripting flaws resulting from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data. This particular implementation weakness demonstrates poor input validation practices where the plugin fails to properly escape or sanitize attributes passed to the themify_post_slider shortcode. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious payloads within shortcode parameters that are then stored in the WordPress database and executed when legitimate users view pages containing the affected content. The attack vector requires only contributor-level privileges, which represents a significant concern since many WordPress installations grant such permissions to users who should not have the ability to inject malicious code into the system. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that the malicious scripts execute in the context of the victim's browser session, potentially enabling session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the compromised user's privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution to encompass potential data breaches and system compromise. When authenticated attackers inject malicious scripts through the shortcode mechanism, they can execute arbitrary code in the browser context of other users, potentially leading to session theft, data exfiltration, or redirection to malicious sites. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious payloads persist in the database and can affect multiple users over time, unlike reflected XSS attacks that require specific user interaction. This vulnerability can be particularly damaging in collaborative environments where contributors have elevated privileges and can modify content that is then viewed by other users with varying permission levels. The risk is compounded by the fact that such vulnerabilities often go undetected for extended periods, allowing attackers to maintain persistent access to compromised systems while remaining undetected by standard security monitoring mechanisms.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability, beginning with the urgent upgrade to the latest plugin version that contains the necessary security patches. The recommended remediation approach involves updating the Themify Shortcodes plugin to version 2.0.9 or later, which should contain proper input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms to prevent the injection of malicious scripts. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious shortcode parameters, as well as establishing stricter content review processes for users with contributor-level privileges. Security teams should also conduct thorough audits of existing content to identify any previously injected malicious scripts and implement monitoring procedures to detect anomalous shortcode usage patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output escaping practices, which align with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for credential access through phishing and T1059.001 for command and control through scripting. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege models to limit contributor access to only necessary functionality and regularly review user permissions to ensure appropriate access controls are maintained.