CVE-2024-3473 in Header Footer Code Manager Pro Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/02/2024
The Header Footer Code Manager Pro plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting via the message parameter in all versions up to, and including, 1.0.16 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that execute if they can successfully trick a user into performing an action such as clicking on a link.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-3473 affects the Header Footer Code Manager Pro plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions up to and including 1.0.16. This represents a critical security flaw that exposes WordPress installations to reflected cross-site scripting attacks, potentially compromising the security of millions of websites that rely on this plugin for header and footer code management. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's code structure, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors seeking to manipulate web content through client-side script injection.
The technical flaw manifests through the message parameter within the plugin's functionality, which fails to properly sanitize user input before processing and displaying it on web pages. This insufficient input sanitization creates a reflected XSS vulnerability where malicious scripts can be injected into the plugin's response and executed in the context of a victim's browser. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it does not require authentication, allowing unauthenticated attackers to exploit the flaw and potentially execute arbitrary code within the victim's browser session. The reflected nature of this attack means that the malicious payload is reflected back from the server to the client, making it easier to craft and deliver attacks that can be triggered through simple user interactions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it creates opportunities for more sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious websites. Attackers can craft malicious URLs containing script payloads that, when clicked by an unsuspecting user, execute the injected code in the user's browser context. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the CWE-79 category for Cross-Site Scripting, specifically addressing the weakness in input validation and output escaping that allows malicious scripts to be executed. The attack surface is broad since the vulnerability affects all versions up to 1.0.16, meaning that a significant portion of WordPress installations using this plugin remain at risk.
The security implications of CVE-2024-3473 align with ATT&CK techniques focusing on initial access through web application attacks and execution via malicious script injection. Organizations running affected WordPress installations face potential compromise of user sessions and data integrity, as the vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate content that appears legitimate to users. The lack of authentication requirements means that the attack vector is easily accessible to anyone with knowledge of the vulnerable plugin, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may encounter malicious links through social engineering or compromised websites. Remediation efforts should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the input sanitization issues, alongside implementing additional security measures such as web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious user agent patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.