CVE-2024-7136 in JetSearch Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/16/2024
The JetSearch plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the ‘id’ parameter in all versions up to, and including, 3.5.2 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 • 03/14/2025
The JetSearch plugin for WordPress presents a critical stored cross-site scripting vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-7136 affecting versions through 3.5.2. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's handling of the 'id' parameter. The flaw allows authenticated attackers who possess Contributor-level permissions or higher to inject malicious scripts that persist in the application's database and execute whenever users access pages containing the injected content. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of weak input validation and insufficient output encoding, creating a persistent threat vector that can compromise user sessions and potentially escalate to more severe attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the 'id' parameter in the plugin's functionality, where user input is not properly sanitized before being stored in the database. When legitimate users access pages that contain the maliciously injected script, the stored XSS payload executes in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites. This represents a classic stored XSS vulnerability pattern where the malicious code is permanently stored on the server and executed against users who view the affected content. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it requires only Contributor-level access, making it accessible to users who can create and edit posts, which is a relatively common user role in WordPress installations.
The operational implications of CVE-2024-7136 extend beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the WordPress environment. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious scripts can persist indefinitely until manually removed, creating a long-term threat vector that can be leveraged for data exfiltration, cookie theft, or redirection to phishing sites. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a significant concern for WordPress administrators who may not immediately detect the presence of malicious scripts within their content management systems. The attack vector follows ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious content, and T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must include immediate plugin updates to versions that address the sanitization and escaping issues, along with comprehensive security audits of existing content to identify and remove any injected scripts. Administrators should implement additional security measures such as Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, regular monitoring of user activity, and consideration of role-based access controls to minimize the impact of compromised accounts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and output escaping practices in web application development, particularly for plugins that handle user-generated content. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their WordPress installations and maintain up-to-date security practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in their environments.