CVE-2024-49238 in ADIF Log Search Widget Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/18/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in emka73 ADIF Log Search Widget adif-log-search-widget allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects ADIF Log Search Widget: from n/a through <= 1.0f.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2026
This cross-site scripting vulnerability exists within the emka73 ADIF Log Search Widget plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions through 1.0f. The flaw represents a classic reflected XSS attack vector where malicious input is not properly sanitized during web page generation, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability occurs when user-supplied input is directly incorporated into dynamically generated HTML without appropriate encoding or validation mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding practices within the plugin's codebase. When users submit search queries or other input parameters through the widget interface, the application fails to neutralize potentially malicious content before rendering it in the browser context. This creates an environment where an attacker can craft malicious payloads that execute in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The reflected nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious script is reflected off the web server rather than being stored on the server, making it particularly challenging to detect and prevent through traditional server-side scanning methods.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that leverage the compromised user sessions. An attacker could potentially steal administrative credentials, modify content, or redirect users to phishing sites that appear legitimate. The vulnerability affects any user who interacts with the ADIF Log Search Widget, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users access the same WordPress installation. According to CWE-79, this represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw that violates secure coding principles by failing to properly encode output for the web context. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1566.001 for initial access through malicious content and T1071.001 for application layer protocol usage.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate input validation and output encoding improvements within the plugin code. The most effective approach involves implementing proper HTML encoding for all user-supplied input before rendering it in web pages, utilizing WordPress's built-in esc_html(), esc_attr(), or similar functions. Additionally, developers should implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution and consider implementing input sanitization routines that strip or encode potentially dangerous characters. The vulnerability affects a specific version range, making version updates the most straightforward remediation approach, though organizations should also implement input validation at multiple layers including web application firewalls and server-side filters. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to prevent similar issues in future development cycles, particularly focusing on the principle of least privilege and proper data sanitization practices.