CVE-2024-7301 in File Upload Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/16/2024
The WordPress File Upload plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via SVG File uploads in all versions up to, and including, 4.24.8 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses the SVG file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2025
The WordPress File Upload plugin represents a critical security vulnerability classified as CVE-2024-7301, which affects all versions up to and including 4.24.8. This vulnerability manifests as a stored cross-site scripting flaw that specifically targets SVG file upload functionality within the WordPress ecosystem. The issue stems from inadequate input sanitization mechanisms and insufficient output escaping controls that fail to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied SVG content before storing and serving it to other users. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of web application security and file upload validation, creating a persistent threat vector that can compromise user sessions and execute malicious code within the context of affected websites.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an unauthenticated attacker uploads a maliciously crafted SVG file containing embedded JavaScript code or other malicious payloads. These SVG files are stored on the server and subsequently served to other users who access them through the WordPress interface. The lack of proper sanitization means that SVG files containing malicious scripts bypass security controls and execute in the browser context of any user who views the uploaded file. This stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious code persists on the server and can affect multiple users over time, unlike reflected XSS attacks that require specific user interaction. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79, which describes Cross-Site Scripting flaws, and represents a classic case of insufficient input validation combined with inadequate output escaping.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-7301 extends beyond simple script execution to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks such as session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious sites. When users access pages containing the stored SVG files, their browsers execute the embedded scripts, which can capture cookies, redirect to phishing sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. This vulnerability particularly affects WordPress sites that rely heavily on file upload functionality and user-generated content, creating a persistent threat that can compromise the entire website ecosystem. The attack surface is significantly expanded because SVG files are often used for images, logos, and other visual elements, making them a common target for exploitation. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001, which involves the use of malicious file uploads to gain initial access or persistence within target environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-7301 must include immediate patching of the WordPress File Upload plugin to the latest secure version that addresses the input sanitization and output escaping deficiencies. Organizations should implement comprehensive file validation mechanisms that reject SVG files containing potentially dangerous elements or attributes, particularly those related to scripting capabilities within SVG markup. Network administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls with rules specifically designed to detect and block malicious SVG content, while also deploying content security policies to prevent script execution in SVG contexts. Additionally, administrators should conduct thorough security audits of all file upload functionality within their WordPress installations and implement proper input validation and output encoding controls. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and demonstrates how seemingly benign file upload features can become significant attack vectors when proper security controls are not implemented. Regular security monitoring and user education about the risks of accessing untrusted file uploads are essential components of a comprehensive defense strategy against this class of vulnerability.