CVE-2024-7489 in Mailchimp Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/12/2024
The Forms for Mailchimp by Optin Cat – Grow Your MailChimp List plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the form color parameters in all versions up to, and including, 2.5.6 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with editor-level access, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page. This only affects multi-site installations and installations where unfiltered_html has been disabled.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-7489 affects the Forms for Mailchimp by Optin Cat plugin for WordPress, specifically impacting versions up to and including 2.5.6. This represents a critical security flaw that enables stored cross-site scripting attacks through manipulation of form color parameters. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and insufficient output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by authenticated attackers possessing editor-level privileges. The flaw specifically targets multi-site WordPress installations where the unfiltered_html capability has been disabled, making these environments particularly susceptible to exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers with editor-level access to inject malicious scripts into form color parameters that are subsequently stored within the WordPress database. When legitimate users access pages containing these compromised forms, the injected scripts execute in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further compromise of the affected WordPress installation. The vulnerability's persistence stems from the stored nature of the XSS attack, meaning the malicious code remains embedded in the database until manually removed, creating an ongoing threat vector. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications.
From an operational standpoint, the impact of CVE-2024-7489 extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the WordPress ecosystem. The requirement for editor-level access means that the vulnerability typically requires an attacker to first compromise a user account with sufficient privileges, but once exploited, it can be leveraged to gain broader access to the site's functionality. The restriction to multi-site installations with disabled unfiltered_html creates a specific attack surface that security teams must monitor closely, as these configurations are common in enterprise WordPress deployments. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1548.003 which involves bypassing user access controls through privilege escalation and credential access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-7489 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the input sanitization and output escaping deficiencies. Organizations should also implement strict access control measures to limit editor-level privileges to only trusted personnel, as this reduces the attack surface for exploitation. Additionally, monitoring for unauthorized changes to form parameters and implementing content security policies can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their WordPress installations to identify other potentially vulnerable plugins and ensure that all administrative users have appropriate security training to prevent privilege escalation scenarios that could lead to exploitation of this type of vulnerability.