CVE-2024-49229 in Better Author Bio Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/17/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in arifnezami Better Author Bio better-author-bio allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects Better Author Bio: from n/a through <= 2.7.10.11.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2026
This cross-site scripting vulnerability exists within the arifnezami Better Author Bio WordPress plugin, specifically impacting versions through 2.7.10.11. The flaw stems from inadequate input sanitization during web page generation processes, creating a reflected XSS attack vector that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into web pages viewed by unsuspecting users. The vulnerability manifests when user-supplied input is not properly neutralized before being rendered in the plugin's output, enabling attackers to exploit this weakness through crafted malicious URLs or form submissions that get reflected back to the user's browser.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the plugin's failure to adequately filter or escape user-provided data within its author bio display functionality. When users access pages that utilize the plugin's features, malicious input can be executed in the context of the victim's browser session, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a classic reflected cross-site scripting flaw where the malicious script is reflected off the web server and executed in the user's browser.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains including session manipulation, data exfiltration, and potential privilege escalation within the affected WordPress environment. Attackers can craft malicious URLs containing XSS payloads that, when clicked by authenticated users with appropriate privileges, could lead to unauthorized modifications of the website content or access to administrative functions. This risk is particularly concerning in environments where administrators or editors regularly visit external links or where the plugin is widely used across multiple user accounts.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 2.7.10.12 or later, which contains the necessary input sanitization fixes. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in the future. Security measures including content security policies, regular security audits of third-party plugins, and monitoring for suspicious user activity should be implemented to reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular vulnerability scanning to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which involves phishing attacks through malicious links, and T1071.001 which covers application layer protocol usage for command and control communications, highlighting the broader threat landscape that reflected XSS vulnerabilities can enable.