CVE-2024-8734 in Lucas String Replace Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/13/2024
The Lucas String Replace plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting due to the use of add_query_arg without appropriate escaping on the URL in all versions up to, and including, 2.0.5. 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 vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-8734 affects the Lucas String Replace plugin for WordPress, a widely used tool for text manipulation within the WordPress ecosystem. This plugin, designed to facilitate string replacement operations across website content, has been found to contain a critical security flaw that exposes WordPress installations to reflected cross-site scripting attacks. The vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 2.0.5, making it a significant concern for website administrators who have not yet updated their installations. The flaw specifically resides in how the plugin handles URL parameters, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject harmful scripts into web pages that will execute when viewed by unsuspecting users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper use of WordPress's add_query_arg function within the plugin's codebase. When the plugin processes user-supplied input through URL parameters, it fails to properly escape or sanitize the data before incorporating it into the URL structure. This creates a reflected XSS vector where malicious scripts can be injected into the URL and subsequently executed in the victim's browser when the page is loaded. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication from the attacker, allowing unauthenticated threat actors to exploit the flaw. The reflected nature of the attack means that the malicious script is reflected back to the user through the web application's response, making it appear as though the legitimate website is serving the harmful content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform a range of malicious activities. An attacker could potentially steal user session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, deface the affected website, or even execute more sophisticated attacks such as credential harvesting. The vulnerability's accessibility to unauthenticated users means that any visitor to a compromised WordPress site could be targeted, making it a particularly attractive attack vector for threat actors seeking broad impact. The reflected nature of the vulnerability also means that attackers can craft specific URLs designed to exploit the flaw, potentially leading to targeted attacks against specific users or groups within the website's user base.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate plugin updates to the latest available version, which should contain the necessary patches to address the reflected XSS flaw. Website administrators should also implement additional security measures such as input validation and output escaping to prevent similar issues in the future. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices that should be enforced throughout WordPress plugin development. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies as additional defensive measures. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the 'Web Application Attack' domain, specifically relating to 'Cross-Site Scripting' techniques that leverage reflected input to execute malicious code in user browsers. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins and themes within the WordPress ecosystem.