CVE-2024-33643 in Advanced Most Recent Posts Mod Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/29/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Kailey Lampert Advanced Most Recent Posts Mod allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Advanced Most Recent Posts Mod: from n/a through 1.6.5.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2024-33643 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Advanced Most Recent Posts Mod plugin for WordPress, specifically impacting versions ranging from the initial release through 1.6.5.2. This stored XSS vulnerability arises from inadequate input sanitization during the web page generation process, creating a persistent security risk that can affect multiple users simultaneously. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the plugin's output, which then executes in the browsers of unsuspecting visitors who access affected pages. The vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly neutralize user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content, creating an environment where malicious code can be stored and subsequently executed.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the plugin's interface or via API endpoints that process user data. This input is then stored within the plugin's database or configuration files without proper sanitization, making it susceptible to execution when the content is rendered in web pages. The stored nature of this XSS attack means that the malicious script persists in the system and affects all users who view the affected content, rather than requiring a targeted attack on individual users. This 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 malicious content. The flaw demonstrates a classic failure in input validation and output encoding practices that are fundamental to preventing XSS attacks in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and redirection to malicious sites. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal administrator credentials, modify content, inject malware, or create backdoors within the affected WordPress installation. The persistent nature of stored XSS makes this particularly dangerous for content management systems where multiple users interact with the platform, as the vulnerability can remain active for extended periods without detection. Organizations using this plugin are at risk of unauthorized access to their content management systems, potential data breaches, and compromise of their entire WordPress infrastructure. The vulnerability's impact is amplified when the plugin is used on high-traffic websites or those with administrative capabilities, as the attack surface expands significantly.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-33643 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 1.6.5.3 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for proper input sanitization and output encoding. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation measures that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, particularly focusing on HTML and JavaScript content that could be embedded in web pages. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, with particular attention to input handling and output encoding practices. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect suspicious script execution patterns, and web application firewalls should be deployed to filter malicious content before it reaches end users. Additionally, privileged users should be educated about the risks of clicking on untrusted links or submitting content to web forms that may be vulnerable to XSS attacks. The remediation process should also include thorough testing of the patched plugin to ensure that legitimate functionality remains intact while the security vulnerability is fully addressed.