CVE-2024-50461 in EmbedPress Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/28/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in WPDeveloper EmbedPress embedpress allows Stored XSS.This issue affects EmbedPress: from n/a through <= 4.0.14.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-50461 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the WPDeveloper EmbedPress plugin, specifically impacting versions through 4.0.14. This weakness falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which occurs when web applications fail to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web pages. The vulnerability manifests as a stored XSS attack vector, meaning that malicious scripts can be permanently stored on the server and subsequently executed whenever affected pages are accessed by unsuspecting users. The flaw exists in the plugin's handling of input data during web page generation processes, where user-supplied content is not adequately neutralized before being rendered in the browser environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code through input fields that are subsequently stored in the plugin's database or configuration files. When legitimate users access pages that display this stored content, their browsers execute the injected scripts within the context of the vulnerable website. This creates a persistent threat where attackers can establish backdoors, steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to malicious domains. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that the malicious payload remains active even after the initial injection, making it particularly dangerous for long-term exploitation and harder to detect through routine security scans.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-50461 extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with significant privileges within the affected WordPress environment. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability enables attackers to compromise user sessions, potentially gaining administrative access to the WordPress site if the targeted users are administrators or privileged users. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the EmbedPress plugin, which is designed to embed various media content from external sources, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise sites that rely heavily on media embedding features. The attack surface is broadened by the fact that the vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 4.0.14, indicating that a substantial number of WordPress installations may be vulnerable.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through plugin updates to versions that address the XSS flaw, as well as implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their WordPress installations to identify potentially compromised systems and implement proper content security policies to prevent script execution. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1566.001 - Phishing, as attackers may leverage the XSS to craft convincing phishing campaigns that exploit user trust in the vulnerable website. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and security headers such as Content Security Policy can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Regular security monitoring and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to detect similar weaknesses in other plugins and themes that may present comparable risks to the overall security posture of WordPress installations.