CVE-2024-2953 in Table of Contents Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/22/2024
The LuckyWP Table of Contents plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via multiple parameters in versions up to, and including, 2.1.4 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with Contributor permissions 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 • 05/29/2025
The LuckyWP Table of Contents plugin for WordPress presents a significant security vulnerability classified as CVE-2024-2953, affecting versions up to and including 2.1.4. This vulnerability manifests as a stored cross-site scripting flaw that exploits insufficient input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's codebase. The flaw specifically targets multiple parameters within the plugin's functionality, creating an attack vector that can be exploited by authenticated users possessing Contributor permissions or higher access levels. The vulnerability represents a critical weakness in WordPress plugin security architecture where user-supplied input is not properly validated or sanitized before being stored and subsequently executed in web pages. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 related to spearphishing attachments, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to deliver malicious scripts to unsuspecting users through compromised WordPress installations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to adequately sanitize user input across multiple parameters that handle content manipulation and table of contents generation. When authenticated attackers with Contributor privileges or higher submit malicious input through these vulnerable parameters, the data is stored within the WordPress database without proper sanitization measures. Subsequently, when any user accesses pages containing this stored malicious content, the injected scripts execute within the victim's browser context. This stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious code persists even after the initial injection, creating a continuous threat vector that can affect multiple users over time. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that Contributor level users typically have the ability to create and edit posts, making the attack surface more accessible within typical WordPress user permission structures.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-2953 extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to user sessions, data exfiltration capabilities, and the ability to perform further attacks through the compromised WordPress installation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access to the WordPress site, potentially using the stored XSS to redirect users to malicious domains, steal cookies and session information, or inject additional malicious payloads. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector where the attacker's malicious code executes every time a user accesses affected pages, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users regularly access content generated by the vulnerable plugin. This threat is further exacerbated by the fact that the vulnerability affects the core functionality of table of contents generation, which is commonly used across various WordPress sites, increasing the potential attack surface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-2953 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the stored XSS vulnerability, as this represents the most direct and effective remediation approach. Organizations should implement strict input validation and sanitization measures across all user-contributed content within WordPress installations, ensuring that all data entering the system undergoes proper security checks before storage. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to prevent execution of unauthorized scripts even if the vulnerability is exploited. Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect suspicious patterns related to XSS attacks, including unusual requests containing script tags or other malicious payloads. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, with particular attention to plugins that handle user input through multiple parameters. Administrators should also consider implementing role-based access controls to limit the permissions of users who can contribute content, reducing the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and the critical need for regular security assessments of third-party WordPress components to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.