CVE-2024-8505 in Infinite Scroll Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/02/2024
The WordPress Infinite Scroll – Ajax Load More plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the ‘button_label’ parameter in all versions up to, and including, 7.1.2 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 • 03/08/2025
The WordPress Infinite Scroll – Ajax Load More plugin presents a critical stored cross-site scripting vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-8505 affecting versions through 7.1.2. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's handling of the 'button_label' parameter. The flaw allows authenticated attackers possessing Contributor-level permissions or higher to execute malicious scripts within the context of affected websites, creating a significant security risk for WordPress installations that utilize this plugin. The vulnerability represents a classic stored XSS attack vector where malicious code persists in the application's database and executes whenever users access affected pages, making it particularly dangerous for content management systems where multiple users interact with the platform.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the 'button_label' parameter which is processed within the plugin's ajax loading functionality. When an authenticated user with sufficient privileges creates or modifies content containing malicious script within this parameter, the script becomes permanently stored in the database. Subsequently, when other users access pages that display this content or interact with the ajax loading features, the stored script executes in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further compromise of the affected WordPress installation. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices that require proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-8505 extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with persistent access to compromised WordPress environments. Contributors and higher-level users typically have significant privileges within WordPress systems, including the ability to create and modify content, manage media, and potentially access administrative functions. This vulnerability enables attackers to establish persistent backdoors or perform phishing attacks against other users, making it particularly dangerous for websites with multiple contributors or user roles. The attack requires minimal sophistication since it leverages existing user permissions, making it an attractive vector for both automated and targeted attacks. The vulnerability also impacts the integrity and availability of the WordPress site by allowing attackers to modify user experiences and potentially disrupt normal site operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-8505 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the stored XSS vulnerability, as this represents the most effective remediation approach. Organizations should implement strict input validation and output escaping mechanisms for all user-supplied data, particularly within content management systems where multiple user roles exist. Security hardening measures should include regular security audits of installed plugins, implementation of web application firewalls, and monitoring for unauthorized modifications to plugin parameters. According to ATT&CK framework tactics, this vulnerability falls under T1566 (Phishing) and T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) as attackers can leverage the stored XSS to establish persistent access and execute malicious commands. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing least privilege access controls to limit the scope of potential exploitation and ensure that users with Contributor-level access cannot inject malicious content that could affect other users. Regular security training for content creators and administrators is essential to prevent social engineering attacks that might exploit this vulnerability through user manipulation.