CVE-2024-5867 in Delicate Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/13/2024
The Delicate theme for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'link' parameter within the theme's Button shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 3.5.5 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-2024-5867 affects the Delicate theme for WordPress, specifically targeting versions up to and including 3.5.5. This represents a critical security flaw that exploits a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability within the theme's Button shortcode functionality. The issue stems from inadequate input sanitization and insufficient output escaping mechanisms that fail to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied data before processing. Attackers can leverage this weakness to inject malicious scripts that persist within the application's database, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users who access affected pages.
The technical flaw manifests through the 'link' parameter within the theme's Button shortcode implementation. When an authenticated attacker with Contributor-level access or higher submits a malicious payload through this parameter, the system fails to adequately sanitize the input before storing it in the database. This stored data is then later retrieved and executed in the context of other users' browsers when they access pages containing the vulnerable shortcode. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which classifies it as a cross-site scripting flaw, specifically a stored XSS vulnerability where malicious scripts are permanently stored on the server and executed when accessed by other users. The attack vector requires minimal privileges, making it particularly concerning as it can be exploited by users who already have basic content creation capabilities within the WordPress environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to perform various malicious activities within the context of affected users' sessions. An attacker could potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, deface content, or even execute more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft or privilege escalation within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability affects all users who access pages containing the compromised shortcode, making it a widespread concern that could impact the entire user base of affected installations. This type of vulnerability can also serve as a stepping stone for more advanced attacks, as it allows threat actors to establish persistent access patterns and potentially compromise the broader WordPress installation. The attack follows the typical pattern described in the ATT&CK framework under technique T1566 for initial access and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, where attackers use web application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-5867 should prioritize immediate theme updates to versions that address the identified XSS vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict input validation and output escaping mechanisms for all user-supplied data within the theme's shortcode implementations. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing content security policies to limit the execution of malicious scripts even if the vulnerability is exploited. Regular security audits of WordPress themes and plugins should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, and access controls should be carefully reviewed to limit the privileges of users who can modify content. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege, ensuring that only necessary permissions are granted to users within the WordPress environment. Organizations should also implement monitoring systems to detect unusual activities that might indicate exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures to quickly address any potential breaches.