CVE-2024-49606 in Google Map Locations Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/20/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in DotsquaresLtd Google Map Locations google-map-locations allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects Google Map Locations: from n/a through <= 1.0.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2026
This cross-site scripting vulnerability exists within the Google Map Locations plugin for WordPress, specifically in versions up to and including 1.0. The flaw stems from improper input sanitization during web page generation, creating a reflected XSS attack vector that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability occurs when user-supplied input is not properly neutralized before being rendered in web pages, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers. This represents a classic reflected XSS weakness that falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses the improper neutralization of input during web page generation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to craft malicious URLs containing script payloads that, when clicked by victims, execute in their browsers. The reflected nature of this XSS means that the malicious script is reflected off the web server rather than being stored on the server, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that process user input through URL parameters or form submissions. The vulnerability specifically affects the Google Map Locations plugin, which likely processes location data or map parameters from user input without adequate sanitization, creating an attack surface where malicious code can be injected and executed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and redirection to malicious sites. Attackers could potentially steal administrator credentials, modify content, or even escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. The reflected XSS nature makes this particularly dangerous in targeted attacks where attackers craft specific payloads to exploit the vulnerability, as the malicious scripts execute in the context of legitimate users who trust the affected website. This vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including phishing emails, compromised websites, or social engineering campaigns that direct users to malicious URLs.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate plugin updates to versions that address the XSS flaw, as well as implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, implement content security policies to prevent script execution, and conduct regular security assessments of third-party plugins. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1584.002 for the exploitation of web application vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures including regular patch management, input sanitization, and security monitoring. Additionally, implementing proper security headers such as X-Content-Type-Options and X-Frame-Options can help reduce the impact of successful XSS attacks, while regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other plugins or custom code components.