CVE-2024-37539 in WP To Do Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/06/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Delower WP To Do allows Stored XSS.This issue affects WP To Do: from n/a through 1.3.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-37539 represents a critical security flaw in the Delower WP To Do plugin for WordPress systems, specifically manifesting as an improper neutralization of input during web page generation. This weakness enables stored cross-site scripting attacks that can persistently affect users interacting with compromised web pages. The vulnerability exists within the plugin's handling of user-supplied data during the dynamic generation of web content, creating an environment where malicious scripts can be injected and subsequently executed in the context of other users' browsers. The affected version range spans from the initial release through version 1.3.0, indicating that the flaw has existed for some time within the plugin's development lifecycle. This type of vulnerability directly violates the principle of input sanitization and output encoding, which are fundamental security practices in web application development.
The technical implementation of this stored XSS vulnerability occurs when the plugin fails to properly sanitize or escape user input before storing it in the database and subsequently rendering it within web pages. When administrators or users create tasks, notes, or other content through the plugin interface, the input data undergoes insufficient validation or filtering processes. This allows malicious actors to inject malicious JavaScript code through carefully crafted input fields, which then gets stored and executed whenever other users view the affected pages. The persistence characteristic of stored XSS means that the malicious script will execute automatically for any user who accesses the compromised content, making it particularly dangerous for administrative interfaces or shared work environments. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption or theft, potentially enabling attackers to perform unauthorized actions on behalf of affected users. An attacker could exploit this flaw to steal session cookies, modify or delete data within the plugin's functionality, redirect users to malicious websites, or even escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the attack can persist long after the initial injection, potentially allowing for extended periods of unauthorized access or data manipulation. This risk is particularly significant for WordPress installations where the plugin is used for task management, project tracking, or collaborative work environments where multiple users interact with shared content. The vulnerability could also serve as a stepping stone for more extensive attacks against the broader WordPress installation, potentially leading to full system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-37539 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the stored XSS vulnerability, as this represents the most direct solution to the identified flaw. System administrators should also implement additional defensive measures including input validation at multiple layers, output encoding for all dynamic content, and regular security audits of plugin installations. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script execution, while regular monitoring of user-generated content can help identify potential injection attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security scanning to detect similar vulnerabilities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control communications and credential access through web application exploitation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive strategies that address both the immediate vulnerability and broader security posture. Regular security training for administrators and users can also help prevent social engineering attacks that might exploit this vulnerability.