CVE-2024-32538 in Easy CountDowner Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/17/2024
Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability in Joshua Eldridge Easy CountDowner allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Easy CountDowner: from n/a through 1.0.8.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2025
The CVE-2024-32538 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the Joshua Eldridge Easy CountDowner plugin that demonstrates the dangerous intersection of Cross-Site Request Forgery and Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities. This vulnerability exists within the plugin's handling of user input and request processing mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code within the context of authenticated users' browsers. The affected version range spans from the initial release through version 1.0.8, indicating this flaw has persisted across multiple iterations of the plugin's development lifecycle. The vulnerability's classification as a stored XSS issue means that malicious scripts injected through CSRF attacks are permanently stored on the server and subsequently executed whenever affected pages are loaded, making the attack vector particularly persistent and dangerous.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability begins with the CSRF component, which allows attackers to trick authenticated users into performing unintended actions on the vulnerable plugin. The attacker can craft malicious requests that, when executed by a victim's browser, modify the plugin's stored data or configuration parameters. This CSRF capability enables the injection of malicious JavaScript code into the plugin's data storage mechanisms. The stored XSS aspect occurs because the plugin fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied content before rendering it in web pages. When the vulnerable plugin displays user-generated content without adequate input validation, the injected scripts execute in the context of other users who view the affected pages, potentially stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or performing unauthorized actions on their behalf. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery, and CWE-79, which covers Cross-Site Scripting, with the combination creating a particularly severe security risk.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it can enable full account takeover scenarios and persistent malicious presence on affected websites. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish long-term access to compromised systems, potentially using the stored XSS to inject backdoors or command and control communication channels. The vulnerability affects WordPress environments where the Easy CountDowner plugin is installed, making it particularly concerning given WordPress's widespread adoption across various organizations and websites. The attack surface includes any functionality within the plugin that accepts user input, such as countdown timer configurations, event descriptions, or other customizable elements. Security researchers have identified that this vulnerability could be exploited to manipulate the plugin's functionality, potentially allowing attackers to modify countdown timers, alter event data, or inject malicious payloads that persist across multiple user sessions. The impact is amplified by the fact that the vulnerability affects all versions from the initial release through 1.0.8, suggesting that organizations running any of these versions are at risk.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-32538 require immediate action from affected organizations, beginning with the immediate deactivation and removal of the vulnerable plugin from all affected WordPress installations. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation and output escaping mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other plugin components. The recommended remediation includes upgrading to a patched version of the Easy CountDowner plugin if available, or implementing temporary workarounds such as disabling the plugin's user input features until a secure version can be deployed. Organizations should also conduct thorough security audits of their WordPress installations to identify any other potentially vulnerable plugins or themes that may exhibit similar CSRF/XSS characteristics. Security measures should include implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests, and establishing regular vulnerability scanning procedures to identify similar issues in other components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1566, which covers Initial Access through malicious input, and T1059, which addresses execution through scripting languages. Organizations should also consider implementing privileged access controls and monitoring for unusual administrative activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security updates and patch management procedures are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in the future, particularly focusing on proper CSRF token implementation and input sanitization practices that align with industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.