CVE-2024-47377 in BuddyForms Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/05/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Themekraft BuddyForms buddyforms allows Stored XSS.This issue affects BuddyForms: from n/a through <= 2.8.12.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-47377 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Themekraft BuddyForms plugin for WordPress, specifically impacting versions through 2.8.12. This issue falls under the category of improper input neutralization during web page generation, creating a persistent security risk that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user input data that is subsequently rendered in web page contexts, enabling attackers to execute malicious code within the victim's browser session.
The technical implementation of this stored cross-site scripting vulnerability occurs when user-generated content containing malicious script tags is processed and stored within the plugin's database without proper validation or sanitization. When other users access pages that display this stored content, the malicious scripts execute in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability is classified as a stored XSS attack because the malicious payload is permanently stored on the server and executed whenever the affected page is loaded, rather than requiring immediate interaction with a malicious link.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability poses significant risks to WordPress sites utilizing the BuddyForms plugin, as it can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to user sessions and potentially escalate privileges. The impact extends beyond simple script execution, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform actions on behalf of authenticated users, potentially compromising entire websites and user data. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of form processing and content display within the plugin, making it particularly dangerous for sites that rely heavily on user-generated content submission and management.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content. The remediation strategy requires immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 2.8.13 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms. Additionally, administrators should implement input validation measures, regularly audit user-generated content, and consider implementing content security policies to mitigate potential exploitation. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and output encoding practices in web application development, particularly for plugins that handle user-submitted data in web page contexts. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments of their WordPress installations to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins or themes that may be susceptible to cross-site scripting attacks.