CVE-2024-47371 in WP MyLinks Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/05/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Walter Pinem WP MyLinks wp-mylinks allows Stored XSS.This issue affects WP MyLinks: from n/a through <= 1.0.6.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-47371 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Walter Pinem WP MyLinks plugin for WordPress systems. This stored XSS vulnerability arises from inadequate input sanitization during the web page generation process, allowing malicious actors to inject persistent malicious scripts into the plugin's user interface. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions of WP MyLinks ranging from the initial release through version 1.0.6, creating a substantial attack surface for potential exploitation across numerous WordPress installations.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly neutralize user-supplied input before rendering it within web pages. When users interact with the plugin's administrative interface or frontend elements, the system does not adequately sanitize data entered into fields that subsequently appear in HTML output. This improper input handling creates an environment where malicious scripts can be stored within the application's database and subsequently executed whenever legitimate users access the affected pages. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a classic stored cross-site scripting scenario.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to WordPress site administrators and end users. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious payloads that are stored within the plugin's data structures and executed whenever the affected pages are accessed. The stored nature of this XSS means that victims do not need to interact with a specific malicious link directly, but rather encounter the malicious script execution simply by viewing pages that contain the compromised data. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can affect any user who accesses the compromised WordPress site, regardless of their privileges or security awareness. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that WordPress installations often have multiple users with varying access levels, creating potential escalation paths for attackers who can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or system functions.
The security implications extend beyond simple script execution as this vulnerability can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, data theft, redirection to malicious sites, and potential privilege escalation within the WordPress environment. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.005 which covers the use of stored command and scripting interpreters, while also relating to T1566 which addresses credential access through phishing and social engineering. Organizations utilizing affected versions of WP MyLinks face immediate risk of compromise, with attackers potentially gaining access to administrative credentials, user data, or using the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability's persistence means that even after initial exploitation, the malicious scripts continue to execute for all users who encounter the compromised content, creating ongoing security exposure that requires immediate remediation.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of the WP MyLinks plugin to versions that address this vulnerability, as well as implementing input validation measures at multiple levels within the application. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected plugin and ensure proper sanitization of user inputs. Network-based protections including web application firewalls and content filtering systems can provide additional layers of defense, while user education regarding suspicious website behavior remains crucial for preventing exploitation. Regular security monitoring and automated vulnerability scanning should be implemented to detect similar issues in other plugins or components of the WordPress ecosystem, as this type of vulnerability frequently appears in poorly secured web applications. The remediation process should also include thorough testing of patched versions to ensure that the security fix does not introduce regressions in plugin functionality while maintaining the integrity of user data and system operations.