CVE-2024-3633 in WebP & SVG Support Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/26/2024
The WebP & SVG Support WordPress plugin through 1.4.0 does not sanitise uploaded SVG files, which could allow users with a role as low as Author to upload a malicious SVG containing XSS payloads.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-3633 affects the WebP & SVG Support WordPress plugin version 1.4.0 and earlier, presenting a significant security risk through improper input sanitization of uploaded SVG files. This flaw enables users with minimal privileges, specifically those holding the Author role, to potentially execute cross-site scripting attacks by uploading malicious SVG content that contains embedded JavaScript payloads. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's file upload handling process, creating an attack vector that could be exploited by threat actors with limited access rights to compromise the WordPress environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the plugin's failure to properly sanitize SVG file contents during the upload process, allowing malicious code to persist within the uploaded files. SVG files are inherently complex vector graphics formats that support scripting capabilities, making them particularly dangerous when not properly validated. When an Author-level user uploads an SVG file containing malicious JavaScript code, the plugin does not adequately filter or escape the content, permitting the execution of XSS payloads when the file is subsequently rendered or displayed within the WordPress interface. This represents a classic input validation weakness that directly maps to CWE-79 - Cross-site Scripting and CWE-20 - Improper Input Validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates a persistent threat vector that could be leveraged for broader attacks within the WordPress ecosystem. An attacker with Author privileges could potentially execute malicious scripts against other users who view the compromised SVG files, leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privilege levels to exploit, making it accessible to users who should not have the capability to introduce malicious code into the system. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 - Valid Accounts - Specific accounts with limited privileges can be exploited to gain footholds within the WordPress environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-3633 should include immediate plugin updates to versions that address the sanitization issue, along with implementing additional security controls such as restricting file upload capabilities and implementing comprehensive content filtering mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious SVG content, as well as establishing strict access controls that limit the upload capabilities of low-privilege users. The fix should involve comprehensive SVG sanitization that removes or neutralizes potentially dangerous elements and attributes while preserving the intended functionality of legitimate SVG files. Regular security audits of plugin configurations and user permissions should be conducted to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced through third-party components.