CVE-2024-3811 in Salient Shortcodes Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/18/2024
The Salient Shortcodes plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the plugin's 'icon' shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 1.5.3 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user supplied attributes. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with contributor-level access and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2025
The Salient Shortcodes plugin for WordPress presents a critical stored cross-site scripting vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-3811 affecting versions through 1.5.3. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's 'icon' shortcode implementation. The flaw specifically targets user-supplied attributes that are processed without proper validation, creating an avenue for malicious code injection that persists in the database and executes during page rendering. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning given that it requires only contributor-level access or higher, making it exploitable by users who already possess significant privileges within the WordPress environment. Security researchers have classified this issue as a stored XSS vulnerability, which means that malicious scripts are permanently stored on the server and executed whenever affected pages are accessed by any user, including administrators. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category for Cross-Site Scripting and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Phishing with Social Engineering.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the plugin's shortcode processing logic where the 'icon' attribute parameter fails to properly sanitize user input before storing it in the database. When administrators or other privileged users view pages containing the maliciously injected shortcode, the stored script executes in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further compromise of the WordPress installation. The vulnerability's persistence stems from the fact that the malicious code is saved in the WordPress database rather than existing only in transient request parameters, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over time. Attackers can leverage this weakness to inject malicious JavaScript that may redirect users to phishing sites, steal cookies, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The exploitation process requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it an attractive target for threat actors seeking to establish persistent access to WordPress installations.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-3811 extends beyond simple script execution as it represents a significant vector for broader compromise within WordPress environments. Once attackers successfully inject malicious scripts, they can potentially escalate their privileges, access sensitive data, or establish backdoors within the affected WordPress installations. The vulnerability's accessibility to contributor-level users means that organizations with less stringent permission controls may be particularly vulnerable, as these roles often have the ability to create and modify content. This makes the attack surface larger than initially apparent, as the vulnerability can be exploited by users who may not be considered high-risk but still possess sufficient privileges to cause damage. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in their threat modeling exercises and recognize that it can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks. The persistent nature of stored XSS makes it particularly dangerous for long-term compromise of systems, as malicious payloads can remain active for extended periods without detection. Security teams must prioritize patching this vulnerability to prevent potential exploitation and maintain the integrity of their WordPress deployments.
The recommended mitigation strategy for CVE-2024-3811 involves immediate patching of the Salient Shortcodes plugin to the latest version where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should also implement additional security measures including regular monitoring for unauthorized shortcode modifications, implementing content security policies to limit script execution, and conducting thorough security audits of all installed plugins. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability's classification as a stored XSS attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Phishing with Social Engineering, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security awareness training. Security professionals should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious shortcode injection attempts. Organizations should review their current permission structures to ensure that contributor-level users have appropriate access controls and that unnecessary privileges are removed. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and output escaping in web applications, principles that are fundamental to preventing XSS attacks and align with security best practices outlined in industry standards such as OWASP Top Ten.