CVE-2024-51572 in LH QR Codes Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/11/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Peter Shaw LH QR Codes allows Stored XSS.This issue affects LH QR Codes: from n/a through 1.06.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-51572 represents a critical security flaw in the Peter Shaw LH QR Codes plugin that enables stored cross-site scripting attacks. This weakness occurs during the web page generation process where input data is not properly sanitized or neutralized before being rendered in web pages. The vulnerability specifically affects versions of the LH QR Codes plugin ranging from the initial release through version 1.06, indicating a persistent issue that has remained unaddressed across multiple iterations of the software.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the plugin's codebase. When users submit data through the plugin's interface, particularly in fields designed for QR code generation parameters, the system fails to properly escape or sanitize special characters that could be interpreted as executable script code. This improper neutralization creates an environment where malicious actors can inject persistent script payloads that remain stored within the application's database or configuration files. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that once malicious input is processed and saved, it will execute automatically whenever the affected page is accessed by any user, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that serve multiple users or have persistent data storage capabilities.
The operational impact of this stored XSS vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement. Attackers can leverage this weakness to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive information, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of victims, or even establish persistent backdoors within the compromised environment. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate users of the LH QR Codes plugin but also potentially the broader WordPress ecosystem where the plugin is installed, as the attack surface includes all users who interact with pages containing the vulnerable QR code generation functionality. This type of vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The attack vector aligns with the techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1566 tactic for initial access through spearphishing attachments or links, though in this case the attack occurs through the web application itself rather than email vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-51572 should prioritize immediate patching of the LH QR Codes plugin to the latest version that addresses the input sanitization issues. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding measures to ensure that all user-supplied data is properly escaped before being rendered in web pages. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection layers against script execution, while regular security audits of plugin code should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components. Organizations using this plugin should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious script payloads, and establish monitoring procedures to identify any unauthorized modifications to the plugin's configuration or data storage. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of input sanitization practices and demonstrates how seemingly minor code flaws can create significant security risks in web applications that process user-generated content.