CVE-2024-8714 in Affiliates Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/13/2024
The WordPress Affiliates Plugin — SliceWP Affiliates plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting due to the use of remove_query_arg without appropriate escaping on the URL in all versions up to, and including, 1.1.20. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that execute if they can successfully trick a user into performing an action such as clicking on a link.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/10/2025
The WordPress Affiliates Plugin - SliceWP Affiliates presents a critical reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability that affects all versions up to and including 1.1.20. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of URL parameters within the plugin's codebase, specifically when utilizing the remove_query_arg function without adequate escaping mechanisms. The flaw exists in the plugin's processing of user-supplied input that flows directly into HTTP response headers or HTML content without proper sanitization, creating an avenue for malicious code injection that can be executed in the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the plugin's failure to properly escape output when processing query parameters in URLs. When the remove_query_arg function is employed without subsequent escaping, it allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code through URL parameters that are then reflected back to users who visit the affected pages. This creates a classic reflected XSS scenario where the malicious payload is embedded in a URL and delivered to the victim through social engineering tactics such as phishing emails or compromised links. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication, making it accessible to any attacker who can influence the URL parameters passed to the affected plugin endpoints.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious sites. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that, when clicked by an unsuspecting user, execute scripts that steal cookies, modify page content, or redirect users to fraudulent websites designed to capture sensitive information. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious code does not need to be stored on the server, making detection more challenging and the attack more difficult to trace back to its source. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') and represents a significant risk to WordPress site owners who rely on the SliceWP Affiliates plugin for their affiliate marketing operations.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 1.1.21 or later, which addresses the escaping deficiency in the remove_query_arg implementation. Organizations should also implement content security policies to limit script execution and monitor for suspicious URL patterns in their web application firewalls. Network administrators should consider implementing URL filtering rules that can detect and block known malicious payloads associated with this specific vulnerability. Additionally, user education regarding the dangers of clicking suspicious links and verifying URL authenticity before navigation remains crucial in preventing exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output escaping in web applications, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and ATT&CK framework techniques related to web application security and credential access. Regular security audits of third-party plugins and maintaining updated security monitoring systems are essential practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from compromising WordPress installations.