CVE-2024-38786 in CoziPress Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/22/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in BurgerThemes CoziPress allows Stored XSS.This issue affects CoziPress: from n/a through 1.0.30.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the CoziPress theme developed by BurgerThemes, specifically categorized as a stored XSS vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The issue exists within the web page generation process where input validation and sanitization mechanisms fail to properly neutralize user-supplied data before it is rendered in web content. The vulnerability affects all versions of CoziPress from the initial release through version 1.0.30, indicating a long-standing flaw that has not been adequately addressed. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and it aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when user input is directly incorporated into web page content without proper sanitization or encoding mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this weakness by submitting malicious script code through various input vectors such as comments, contact forms, or user profile fields that are then stored in the application's database. When other users view the affected web pages, their browsers execute the malicious scripts, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious code persists in the application's database and affects all users who encounter the compromised content, making it particularly dangerous for content management systems where user-generated content is common.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution to potentially compromise entire user sessions and sensitive data. Attackers could leverage this flaw to steal administrator credentials, modify content, or redirect users to phishing sites that appear legitimate. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until patched, as the malicious scripts are stored server-side and automatically executed whenever affected pages are accessed. Organizations using CoziPress versions 1.0.30 and earlier face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential compromise of their entire WordPress installation. The vulnerability's impact is amplified in environments where users have elevated privileges or where the theme is used for content management systems handling sensitive information, making it a critical concern for security-conscious organizations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the CoziPress theme to version 1.0.31 or later, which should contain the necessary input sanitization and output encoding fixes. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures including web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious script patterns, regular security scanning of web applications, and comprehensive input validation at all entry points. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected components within their WordPress installations, as this vulnerability may indicate broader security weaknesses in the application architecture. Additionally, implementing proper content security policies and regular security audits can help prevent similar issues from emerging in the future, while user education about the risks of clicking on suspicious links or submitting untrusted content remains essential for overall security posture improvement.