CVE-2024-3867 in Interface Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/16/2024
The archive-tainacan-collection theme for WordPress is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting due to the use of add_query_arg without appropriate escaping on the URL in version 2.7.2. 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 • 04/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-3867 affects the archive-tainacan-collection theme for WordPress, representing a critical security flaw that exposes users to reflected cross-site scripting attacks. This vulnerability exists within version 2.7.2 of the theme and stems from improper handling of URL parameters that are processed through the add_query_arg function without adequate escaping mechanisms. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts into web pages that are subsequently executed when users navigate to affected URLs, creating a significant risk for anyone interacting with the compromised WordPress site.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the theme processes user-supplied input through the add_query_arg function, which is designed to add query arguments to URLs but fails to properly sanitize or escape the input data before incorporating it into the final URL structure. This creates an environment where attacker-controlled data can be injected into the URL parameters and subsequently executed in the context of the victim's browser. The vulnerability is classified as reflected XSS because the malicious script is reflected off the web server and delivered to the victim's browser, rather than being stored on the server. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with a vector for more sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious sites. Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious URLs that contain XSS payloads, which when clicked by unsuspecting users, execute the injected scripts in their browser context. The attack requires social engineering to trick users into clicking malicious links, but once executed, the scripts can access cookies, local storage, and other browser resources that may contain sensitive information. This vulnerability particularly affects WordPress sites using the archive-tainacan-collection theme and could potentially compromise user sessions, steal authentication tokens, or redirect users to phishing sites that mimic legitimate services.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of the affected theme to version 2.7.3 or later, which should include proper escaping of URL parameters when using add_query_arg. System administrators should also implement content security policies that restrict script execution and monitor for suspicious URL patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security audits of WordPress themes and plugins should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, and user education programs should be implemented to help identify potentially malicious links. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block XSS attack patterns, and maintain up-to-date vulnerability scanning tools that can identify such flaws in their web applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output escaping in web applications, particularly when handling user-supplied data that is later incorporated into URLs or HTML content, aligning with security best practices outlined in OWASP top ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.