CVE-2024-51761 in WPHelpful Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/09/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Zack Gilbert and Paul Jarvis WPHelpful allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects WPHelpful: from n/a through 1.2.4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-51761 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness in the WPHelpful WordPress plugin developed by Zack Gilbert and Paul Jarvis. This reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability occurs during the web page generation process when user input is inadequately sanitized before being rendered back to the browser. The flaw exists within the plugin's handling of HTTP request parameters that are directly incorporated into HTML output without proper validation or encoding mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input neutralization during web page generation phases. When malicious actors submit crafted payloads through URL parameters or form inputs, the plugin fails to properly escape or filter these inputs before incorporating them into dynamically generated HTML content. This creates an environment where attacker-controlled scripts can be executed within the context of other users' browsers, enabling unauthorized actions such as session hijacking, data theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability specifically affects versions of WPHelpful ranging from the initial release through version 1.2.4, indicating a persistent flaw that has remained unaddressed across multiple iterations of the plugin.
The operational impact of this reflected XSS vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, creating significant risks for WordPress site administrators and end users. Attackers can exploit this weakness to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes in victims' browsers, potentially leading to complete account compromise, data exfiltration, or the deployment of additional malware. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that malicious payloads must be delivered through crafted URLs or links, making it particularly dangerous in phishing campaigns or when users are tricked into clicking malicious links. This type of vulnerability can also serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, allowing threat actors to establish persistent access or escalate privileges within compromised systems.
Security practitioners should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest version of WPHelpful if available, or applying custom patches that properly sanitize all user inputs before HTML generation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and follows patterns commonly seen in ATT&CK technique T1566 related to spearphishing with links. Organizations should also deploy web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious input patterns, implement content security policies to restrict script execution, and conduct regular security audits of third-party WordPress plugins. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of clicking unknown links and the importance of keeping plugins updated remains crucial in preventing exploitation of such vulnerabilities in the broader threat landscape.