CVE-2024-37271 in Print My Blog Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/22/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Michael Nelson Print My Blog print-my-blog.This issue affects Print My Blog: from n/a through <= 3.27.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2026
This cross-site scripting vulnerability originates from inadequate input sanitization within the Print My Blog WordPress plugin, specifically affecting versions up to and including 3.27.0. The flaw exists in the web page generation process where user-provided data fails to be properly escaped or filtered before being rendered in HTML contexts. This represents a classic xss vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which defines improper neutralization of input during web page generation as a critical weakness in web application security. Attackers can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary javascript code in the context of affected users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The issue is particularly concerning in the context of WordPress plugins where user input often flows through multiple processing layers before reaching the final output.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when malicious input is accepted through plugin interfaces or configuration settings and subsequently rendered without proper context-aware escaping. This allows attackers to inject script tags or other malicious content that executes when legitimate users view the affected pages. The attack vector typically involves crafting specially formatted input that bypasses existing validation mechanisms, leveraging the plugin's failure to properly sanitize data during the page generation phase. This vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and highlights the importance of implementing proper output encoding at the point where data enters HTML contexts. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable more sophisticated attacks such as cookie theft, defacement of content, or redirection to phishing sites. The specific version range indicates that this flaw has existed for some time and was not properly addressed in the affected releases, creating a window of opportunity for attackers to exploit this weakness.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for any website running the affected plugin version, particularly those with user-generated content or administrative interfaces. Users with administrative privileges face heightened risk as attackers could potentially escalate privileges or gain full control over the affected WordPress installation. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the plugin by creating an entry point for malicious actors to compromise the entire website ecosystem. Organizations relying on Print My Blog for content generation may experience data breaches, loss of user trust, and potential regulatory compliance issues. The attack surface is broad since any user interaction with the plugin's input fields could serve as an exploitation vector. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers spearphishing with malicious attachments and links, as attackers could leverage the xss flaw to deliver malicious payloads through compromised plugin interfaces. The vulnerability also relates to T1071.001 for application layer protocol usage, as the attack exploits the web application's handling of user input.
Organizations should immediately update to the latest version of Print My Blog to remediate this vulnerability, as version 3.27.1 or later should contain the necessary patches. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms, implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, and conducting regular security audits of all plugin installations. Security teams should monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts and ensure that all WordPress installations maintain current versions of plugins and themes. The fix typically involves implementing proper escaping functions when rendering user input in HTML contexts, ensuring that special characters are properly encoded to prevent script execution. Additional defensive measures include restricting administrative access to trusted users only, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting regular penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also establish a robust patch management process to ensure timely updates of all third-party components and maintain detailed logs of plugin usage and modifications.