CVE-2024-5789 in Triton Lite Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/13/2024
The Triton Lite theme for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'url' attribute within the theme's Button shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 1.3 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Contributor-level access and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-5789 affects the Triton Lite theme for WordPress, specifically targeting versions up to and including 1.3. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of WordPress installations using this theme. The vulnerability manifests through the Button shortcode functionality where the 'url' attribute fails to properly sanitize user input, creating an avenue for malicious code injection. Security researchers have classified this as a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability, which means that once malicious code is injected, it persists in the database and executes whenever affected pages are accessed by users.
The technical flaw resides in the insufficient input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms implemented within the theme's shortcode processing functionality. When administrators or contributors create or modify content using the Button shortcode, the 'url' parameter does not undergo proper validation or sanitization before being stored in the database. This allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that gets stored and executed when the page containing the shortcode is rendered. The vulnerability specifically impacts users with Contributor-level access and above, which is particularly concerning as it bypasses typical security boundaries that should protect against such attacks. This classification aligns with CWE-79 which describes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, and follows the ATT&CK framework's T1566.001 technique for initial access through valid accounts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, data exfiltration, and redirection to malicious sites. Authenticated attackers can craft malicious button shortcodes that, when viewed by other users, will execute arbitrary JavaScript code in their browsers. This creates a persistent threat vector where compromised users may unknowingly execute malicious payloads, potentially leading to complete account takeover or further exploitation within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability affects all users who have access to the theme's shortcode functionality, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where contributor or higher privileges are granted to multiple individuals.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-5789 should prioritize immediate theme updates to versions that address the sanitization and escaping issues. System administrators should ensure that all users with Contributor-level access or higher are properly vetted and that unnecessary privileges are removed. Implementing additional input validation measures at the WordPress level can provide an extra layer of protection, while monitoring for suspicious shortcode usage patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing content security policies that restrict script execution and regularly audit theme installations for vulnerabilities. Organizations should maintain updated security patches and conduct regular vulnerability assessments to prevent similar issues from occurring in other installed themes or plugins. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the updated theme to ensure that all shortcode functionality continues to operate as expected while eliminating the XSS vulnerability.