CVE-2024-3615 in Media Library Folders Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/19/2024
The Media Library Folders plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting via the 's' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 8.2.0 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 • 04/05/2025
The Media Library Folders plugin for WordPress represents a widely used tool that organizes and manages media files within WordPress environments, making it a critical component for content management systems. This plugin version 8.2.0 and earlier contains a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability that stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically affects the 's' parameter within the plugin's functionality, creating an attack surface that allows malicious actors to inject harmful scripts into web pages that are subsequently executed when users interact with the affected system. The reflected nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious script is reflected off the web server rather than being stored, making it particularly dangerous as it can be delivered through crafted URLs that users might inadvertently click.
The technical flaw manifests when the plugin fails to properly sanitize user input received through the 's' parameter before displaying it in web pages. This insufficient sanitization creates a condition where malicious payloads can be injected and executed in the context of the victim's browser session. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications. The attack vector requires an unauthenticated attacker who can successfully trick users into clicking on a maliciously crafted link that contains the XSS payload. When users visit these links, the injected scripts execute in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or other malicious activities that exploit the user's authenticated session with the WordPress site.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable sophisticated attacks that compromise user accounts and potentially the entire WordPress installation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute scripts that manipulate the browser environment, steal cookies and session tokens, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that the attack doesn't require persistent storage on the server, making it harder to detect and prevent through traditional security measures. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's technique T1566 for Phishing and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, representing both the initial access vector and the execution methods that attackers can employ. The vulnerability affects all users who interact with the plugin's search functionality, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various legitimate user interactions with the WordPress media library.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the plugin to version 8.2.1 or later, which contains the necessary input sanitization fixes. Administrators should implement comprehensive input validation measures that properly escape all user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages. Additional protective measures include implementing Content Security Policy headers that restrict script execution, monitoring for suspicious URL patterns, and conducting regular security audits of WordPress plugins. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper output escaping and input validation practices, which align with security standards such as OWASP Top Ten A03:2021 and the principle of defense in depth. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, while maintaining awareness of the evolving threat landscape for WordPress plugins and their associated vulnerabilities.