CVE-2024-4270 in SVGMagic Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/14/2024
The SVGMagic WordPress plugin through 1.1 does not sanitize SVG file contents, which enables users with at least the author role to SVG with malicious JavaScript to conduct Stored XSS attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2025
The SVGMagic WordPress plugin version 1.1 contains a critical security vulnerability that stems from inadequate input sanitization of SVG file contents. This flaw allows attackers with the minimum author role to upload malicious SVG files containing embedded JavaScript code, creating a persistent cross-site scripting vector. The vulnerability exists because the plugin fails to properly validate or sanitize the content of uploaded SVG files before storing them in the WordPress environment. When these malicious files are subsequently rendered or processed by the plugin, the embedded JavaScript executes in the context of other users who view or interact with the compromised content.
This stored cross-site scripting vulnerability operates through the fundamental weakness of insufficient content validation in file upload handlers. The plugin's failure to implement proper SVG sanitization techniques creates a persistent threat vector where malicious code can be stored and executed repeatedly without requiring additional user interaction. The vulnerability specifically targets the author role, which represents a significant risk since authors typically have the ability to upload media files and create content that may be viewed by other users with higher privileges. The attack chain begins with the upload of a malicious SVG file that contains embedded JavaScript, followed by the storage of this content within the WordPress database, and concludes with the execution of the malicious code when other users access the compromised content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple XSS attacks, as it can enable more sophisticated exploitation techniques including session hijacking, credential theft, and privilege escalation within the WordPress environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access to the compromised WordPress installation, potentially leading to full system compromise. The stored nature of this XSS attack means that the malicious code executes automatically whenever affected content is accessed, making it particularly dangerous for content management systems where multiple users interact with uploaded media. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-79 which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a weakness where untrusted data is used to generate web pages without proper validation or escaping, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which covers Phishing with Malicious Attachments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of proper SVG sanitization procedures that strip or escape potentially dangerous elements and attributes from uploaded SVG files. The plugin should implement a whitelist-based approach to SVG content validation, allowing only safe elements and attributes while rejecting or removing any potentially malicious content. Administrators should also implement proper access controls and user role management to limit upload capabilities, while monitoring for suspicious file uploads. Additionally, regular security audits of WordPress plugins should be conducted to identify similar sanitization issues, and the plugin should be updated to version 1.2 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper input validation in web applications and serves as a reminder that even seemingly benign file upload functionality can create significant security risks when inadequate sanitization measures are implemented.