CVE-2024-4271 in SVGator Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/14/2024
The SVGator WordPress plugin through 1.2.6 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 vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-4271 affects the SVGator WordPress plugin version 1.2.6 and earlier, presenting a critical security risk through stored cross-site scripting attacks. This issue stems from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize SVG file contents during upload processes, creating a persistent vector for malicious code execution. The vulnerability specifically targets users with at least the author role, which represents a significant concern as authors typically have the ability to create and publish content within WordPress environments. The flaw allows attackers to upload SVG files containing malicious JavaScript code that gets stored on the server and subsequently executed when the SVG content is rendered in web browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws where untrusted data is improperly integrated into web pages without proper validation or sanitization. In the context of SVG files, this represents a sophisticated attack vector because SVG format inherently supports scripting capabilities through embedded javascript within the markup. When WordPress processes SVG uploads through the SVGator plugin, it fails to strip or sanitize potentially dangerous javascript elements from the SVG content, leaving the system vulnerable to persistent XSS attacks. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that malicious payloads remain active until manually removed, creating a long-term threat vector that can affect all users who view the compromised content.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-4271 extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. The vulnerability's potential for exploitation is amplified by the fact that SVG files are commonly used for logos, icons, and other graphical elements in WordPress sites, making them frequently viewed by legitimate users. Attackers can craft malicious SVG files that execute code when the content is displayed, potentially redirecting users to phishing sites or establishing backdoor access to compromised systems. The attack surface is further expanded by the plugin's widespread adoption, as the vulnerability affects numerous WordPress installations that have not updated to patched versions. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on SVGator for graphic content management, particularly those with less technical expertise in security monitoring and patch management.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-4271 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 1.2.7 or later, which contain the necessary sanitization fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive content validation policies that restrict SVG file uploads to trusted sources only, while also establishing monitoring procedures for suspicious file uploads. Security teams should consider implementing web application firewalls with specific rules to detect and block malicious SVG content, particularly focusing on javascript within SVG elements. The remediation process must include thorough testing to ensure that legitimate SVG functionality remains intact while malicious code is properly filtered. Additionally, administrators should conduct regular security audits of installed plugins and themes to identify potential vulnerabilities, while implementing principle of least privilege controls to limit user permissions and reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and sanitization in web applications, particularly when handling rich media formats that support scripting capabilities, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's techniques for command and control through web application vulnerabilities.