CVE-2024-29092 in Permalink Manager Lite Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/19/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Maciej Bis Permalink Manager Lite allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects Permalink Manager Lite: from n/a through 2.4.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-29092 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Maciej Bis Permalink Manager Lite WordPress plugin. This reflected XSS vulnerability occurs when the plugin fails to properly sanitize user input during web page generation processes, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions of the plugin ranging from the initial release through version 2.4.3, indicating a persistent flaw that has affected multiple iterations of the software. The issue stems from the plugin's inadequate handling of input parameters that are directly reflected back to users without proper sanitization or encoding mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to craft malicious URLs containing script payloads that, when executed by unsuspecting users, can steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to malicious websites. The reflected nature of this XSS means that the malicious script is reflected off the web server rather than being stored, making it particularly challenging to detect and prevent through traditional security measures. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments or links. The vulnerability exploits the plugin's failure to implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms that are essential for preventing malicious code execution in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration from authenticated users. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, potentially compromising entire WordPress installations if users have administrative privileges. The widespread use of permalink manager plugins in WordPress environments means that this vulnerability could affect numerous websites simultaneously, particularly those that do not maintain strict security monitoring practices. Organizations relying on this plugin for URL management and redirection services face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions indicates that developers may have failed to implement comprehensive input validation or may have introduced regressions in their security measures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-29092 require immediate action including updating to the latest available version of the Permalink Manager Lite plugin where the vulnerability has been addressed. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation at multiple layers including web application firewalls, content security policies, and regular security audits of installed plugins. The implementation of proper output encoding for all user-supplied data ensures that any potentially malicious input is rendered harmless before being displayed to users. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing CSP headers to prevent unauthorized script execution and establish monitoring procedures to detect unusual traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of WordPress installations, including plugin vulnerability scanning and security hardening measures, are essential for preventing similar vulnerabilities from compromising system integrity. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input sanitization and output encoding practices in web application development, as outlined in OWASP's top ten security risks and the defensive coding principles recommended by NIST cybersecurity guidelines.