CVE-2024-29763 in WordPress Meta Data and Taxonomies Filter Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/27/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in realmag777 WordPress Meta Data and Taxonomies Filter (MDTF) allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects WordPress Meta Data and Taxonomies Filter (MDTF): from n/a through 1.3.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2025
The CVE-2024-29763 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the WordPress Meta Data and Taxonomies Filter (MDTF) plugin, specifically impacting versions through 1.3.3. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is a pervasive web application security weakness that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The flaw manifests as an improper neutralization of input during web page generation, creating an avenue for reflected XSS attacks that can compromise user sessions and execute unauthorized commands.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the MDTF plugin fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content. When malicious input is passed through URL parameters or form fields and subsequently rendered on the page without adequate filtering mechanisms, attackers can inject script code that executes in the context of other users' browsers. This reflected nature means the malicious payload is embedded in a request and reflected back to the user's browser, requiring no persistent storage or complex attack vectors. The vulnerability specifically affects the plugin's handling of metadata and taxonomy filters, where user input is processed and displayed without proper sanitization protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious sites. Attackers can craft specially designed URLs that, when clicked by authenticated users, execute malicious scripts that steal cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive information. The reflected XSS nature allows for rapid deployment of attacks through social engineering tactics, as users may be tricked into clicking malicious links shared via email, messaging platforms, or compromised websites. This vulnerability particularly threatens WordPress administrators and users with elevated privileges who may be targeted due to their access to sensitive system functions and data.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement multiple layers of defense including plugin updates to versions that address the XSS flaw, input validation and sanitization measures, and web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. The remediation process should involve comprehensive testing of the updated plugin to ensure no regressions in functionality while maintaining proper security controls. Security teams should also conduct thorough audits of all installed WordPress plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities and implement automated scanning tools that can detect XSS patterns in web applications. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566.001 (Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment) and T1584.002 (Compromise Infrastructure: Command and Control) as attackers may leverage this flaw to establish persistent access through malicious payloads or redirect users to compromised sites. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software, implementing proper input validation, and following secure coding practices that align with OWASP Top Ten security guidelines.