CVE-2024-3344 in Otter Blocks Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/11/2024
The Otter Blocks – Gutenberg Blocks, Page Builder for Gutenberg Editor & FSE plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via SVG file upload in all versions up to, and including, 2.6.8 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with author-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 • 04/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-3344 affects the Otter Blocks plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions up to and including 2.6.8. This plugin serves as a Gutenberg blocks and page builder solution that integrates with WordPress's block editor and full-site editing functionality. The security flaw manifests through improper handling of SVG file uploads within the plugin's administrative interface, creating a persistent cross-site scripting vector that can be exploited by attackers with author-level privileges or higher. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization mechanisms and insufficient output escaping practices during the processing of SVG content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the plugin's failure to properly validate and sanitize SVG file uploads, allowing maliciously crafted SVG files to contain embedded script tags or malicious JavaScript code. When these files are processed and stored within the WordPress environment, they become persistent across page loads and can execute in the context of any user who accesses pages containing the compromised SVG content. This stored XSS vulnerability operates through the standard browser security model where user-supplied content is rendered without proper sanitization, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in victims' browsers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because SVG files are often treated as safe content and may bypass typical security filters that would normally catch malicious script injections.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-3344 extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the WordPress environment. Authenticated attackers with author-level permissions can inject malicious code that persists across multiple page views and user sessions, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks such as cookie theft, session hijacking, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability affects the entire WordPress ecosystem where the plugin is installed, as any user who accesses pages containing the injected SVG content becomes a potential victim. This creates a chain reaction effect where a single compromised author account can lead to widespread exploitation across the site's user base. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because SVG files are commonly used for logos, icons, and other visual elements, making the exploitation more likely to go unnoticed by administrators.
Security mitigations for CVE-2024-3344 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the input sanitization and output escaping deficiencies. Organizations should implement strict file upload validation policies that enforce MIME type checking and content verification for all SVG uploads, ensuring that files contain only safe SVG elements without embedded scripts. Network-level defenses such as web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious SVG content patterns, while administrators should consider implementing additional security measures like content security policies that restrict script execution within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and it maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious file uploads. Regular security audits of plugin installations and user access controls should be implemented to minimize the attack surface, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect unauthorized file uploads and suspicious user activities. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing to ensure that the fix does not break legitimate SVG functionality while maintaining robust security boundaries around user content processing.