CVE-2024-5033 in SULly Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/13/2024
The SULly WordPress plugin before 4.3.1 does not have CSRF check in some places, and is missing sanitisation as well as escaping, which could allow attackers to make logged in admin add Stored XSS payloads via a CSRF attack
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2025
The CVE-2024-5033 vulnerability affects the SULly WordPress plugin version 4.3.0 and earlier, presenting a critical security flaw that combines multiple dangerous conditions. This vulnerability exists due to insufficient cross-site request forgery protection mechanisms within the plugin's administrative interfaces. The flaw allows attackers to exploit a lack of proper CSRF tokens in specific plugin endpoints, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute unauthorized actions against authenticated administrators. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the administrative level where attackers can leverage their access to manipulate plugin functionality and inject malicious code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of proper input validation and output sanitization measures within the plugin's codebase. Specifically, the plugin fails to implement adequate CSRF protection mechanisms in several administrative functions, leaving these endpoints vulnerable to exploitation. Additionally, the plugin lacks proper sanitization of user inputs and insufficient output escaping, which together create an environment where malicious payloads can be stored and subsequently executed. This combination of weaknesses creates a perfect storm for stored cross-site scripting attacks, where attacker-controlled code can be injected into the plugin's data storage and then executed whenever legitimate users access the affected pages.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-5033 extends beyond simple data corruption or unauthorized access. When successfully exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that can persist in the plugin's storage mechanisms. The stored XSS payload can then execute in the context of authenticated administrator sessions, potentially enabling attackers to perform actions such as modifying plugin configurations, accessing sensitive data, or even gaining complete control over the WordPress installation. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be leveraged to establish persistent backdoors or to escalate privileges within the WordPress environment, making it a significant threat to website security and integrity.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery, and CWE-79, which covers Cross-Site Scripting. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistent access through web application exploitation. The attack chain typically involves initial reconnaissance to identify the vulnerable plugin version, followed by crafting malicious requests that leverage the CSRF weakness to inject XSS payloads. The exploitation process can be automated and often requires minimal technical expertise from attackers, making it a popular target for automated attack tools. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to remediate this vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.
Security practitioners should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. The primary mitigation strategy involves upgrading to SULly plugin version 4.3.1 or later, which includes proper CSRF token implementation and input sanitization measures. Additionally, organizations should monitor their WordPress installations for similar vulnerabilities in other plugins and themes, as this type of flaw is common in poorly secured web applications. Network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around plugin administrative endpoints. Regular security audits and penetration testing of WordPress installations can help identify other potential vulnerabilities that might be exploited in conjunction with this flaw, ensuring comprehensive protection against advanced persistent threats.