CVE-2024-51612 in Reftagger Shortcode Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/09/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Ken Charity Reftagger Shortcode allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Reftagger Shortcode: from n/a through 1.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-51612 represents a critical security flaw in the Ken Charity Reftagger Shortcode plugin for WordPress systems. This issue manifests as an improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically enabling stored cross-site scripting attacks that can persist across user sessions. The vulnerability exists within the plugin's handling of user-provided data during the shortcode processing phase, where malicious input is not adequately sanitized before being rendered in web pages. This allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers when they view pages containing the affected shortcode functionality. The affected version range spans from the initial release through version 1.1, indicating that all iterations within this period are potentially compromised and susceptible to exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's shortcode processing code. When users create or modify content using the Reftagger Shortcode functionality, the plugin fails to properly sanitize or escape special characters in the input data before storing and subsequently rendering it in web pages. This creates a persistent storage vector for malicious scripts, as the compromised data is saved to the database and executed whenever affected pages are loaded. The flaw operates at the intersection of data input processing and output rendering, where the plugin's failure to implement proper contextual escaping allows attacker-controlled content to be interpreted as executable JavaScript code rather than plain text. This stored XSS vulnerability specifically targets the web application's user interface rendering layer where shortcode output is generated, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users simultaneously.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-51612 extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform various malicious activities within the context of affected WordPress installations. Successful exploitation can enable attackers to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, redirect victims to malicious websites, or even escalate privileges within the compromised system. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that once an attacker successfully injects malicious code, it will continue to execute for all users who view affected pages until the malicious content is removed from the database. This vulnerability particularly affects WordPress sites using the Ken Charity Reftagger Shortcode plugin, potentially compromising the security of thousands of websites that rely on this functionality for reference management and citation display. The attack surface is widened by the fact that the vulnerability can be exploited through legitimate user interactions with the plugin's shortcode features, making detection and prevention more challenging.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-51612 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms. System administrators should prioritize updating the Ken Charity Reftagger Shortcode plugin to the latest available version that contains the necessary security patches. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation routines that properly escape or sanitize all user-provided data before storage and rendering, following established security best practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the CWE-79 category for Cross-site Scripting. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can provide an additional layer of protection by restricting the sources from which scripts can be executed, thereby limiting the impact of any successful XSS attempts. Security monitoring should include regular scanning for vulnerable plugin versions and implementation of automated patch management systems to ensure timely remediation across all affected systems. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious content and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in web application security, where user input should never be trusted without proper sanitization and validation.