CVE-2024-6529 in Ultimate Classified Listings Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/01/2024
The Ultimate Classified Listings WordPress plugin before 1.4 does not sanitise and escape a parameter before outputting it back in the page, leading to a Reflected Cross-Site Scripting which could be used against high privilege users such as admin
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-6529 affects the Ultimate Classified Listings WordPress plugin version 1.3 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that exposes users to reflected cross-site scripting attacks. This issue arises from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the plugin's codebase, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject harmful scripts into web pages viewed by unsuspecting users. The vulnerability specifically targets the handling of user-supplied parameters that are subsequently reflected back to the browser without proper sanitization or escaping mechanisms.
The technical flaw manifests when the plugin fails to properly sanitize a parameter before incorporating it into HTML output within the web page. This oversight creates a reflected XSS vulnerability where malicious payloads can be executed in the context of the victim's browser session. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited against high-privilege users such as administrators, potentially allowing attackers to hijack admin sessions, execute unauthorized commands, or gain elevated access to the WordPress installation. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious script is reflected off the web server rather than being stored, making it easier to deliver through crafted URLs or email attachments.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to WordPress sites utilizing the affected plugin. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that, when clicked by an administrator, would execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the admin context. This could lead to complete compromise of the WordPress installation, allowing unauthorized users to modify content, create new user accounts, install malicious plugins, or even exfiltrate sensitive data. The attack vector typically involves sending phishing emails or posting malicious links in forums where administrators might click through, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where administrators frequently browse external sites or interact with untrusted content.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications, and it maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments and T1071.001 for application layer protocol usage. Organizations should immediately update to plugin version 1.4 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms. Additionally, implementing proper content security policies, conducting regular security audits of installed plugins, and educating administrators about phishing risks can significantly reduce the attack surface. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and regular monitoring of suspicious traffic patterns should also be deployed to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The remediation process must include thorough testing of the updated plugin to ensure compatibility with existing site functionality while maintaining the security enhancements that address the reflected XSS vulnerability.