CVE-2024-52345 in ra_qrcode Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/19/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Roberto Alicata ra_qrcode allows Stored XSS.This issue affects ra_qrcode: from n/a through 2.1.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the ra_qrcode plugin for WordPress, specifically impacting versions through 2.1.0. The issue stems from improper input sanitization during web page generation, creating a stored XSS attack vector that allows malicious actors to inject persistent malicious scripts into the plugin's output. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security that enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript in victims' browsers. This type of vulnerability directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1566.001 - Phishing via Service, where attackers leverage web application flaws to deliver malicious payloads. The stored nature of this XSS means that malicious scripts are permanently saved within the application's database and executed whenever affected pages are loaded, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over time.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the ra_qrcode plugin processes user input without adequate sanitization or encoding before rendering it in web pages. Attackers can exploit this by submitting malicious payloads through the plugin's input fields, which are then stored in the database and executed when other users view pages containing the compromised data. This creates a persistent threat that can be used to steal user sessions, deface websites, redirect traffic to malicious domains, or harvest sensitive information from authenticated users. The vulnerability's impact is amplified because it affects the entire WordPress ecosystem where the plugin is installed, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to user accounts. The lack of proper input validation and output encoding creates a direct pathway for malicious code execution, making this a prime target for automated exploitation tools.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with persistent access to compromised systems. Once exploited, the stored XSS can be used to perform session hijacking, data exfiltration, or serve as a launching point for further attacks within the compromised environment. The vulnerability affects not only the plugin's immediate functionality but also the broader security posture of WordPress installations, as it demonstrates inadequate security practices in input handling and output encoding. Organizations running affected versions face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential compromise of their entire WordPress infrastructure. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that even after the initial exploitation, the vulnerability continues to affect users until proper patching or mitigation measures are implemented.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the ra_qrcode plugin to version 2.1.1 or later, which addresses the input sanitization flaws. In the interim, administrators should implement input validation measures such as implementing Content Security Policy headers, sanitizing all user inputs before storage, and encoding output data to prevent script execution. The implementation of web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers, while regular security audits should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins or themes. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring for malicious script injections and establish incident response procedures for XSS-related threats. The vulnerability highlights the importance of adhering to security best practices such as input validation, output encoding, and regular security updates, as outlined in OWASP Top 10 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in web applications.