CVE-2024-8965 in Absolute Reviews Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/27/2024
The Absolute Reviews plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'Name' field of a custom post criteria in all versions up to, and including, 1.1.3 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 • 03/09/2025
The Absolute Reviews plugin for WordPress presents a critical stored cross-site scripting vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-8965 affecting all versions through 1.1.3. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's handling of user-supplied data. The flaw specifically manifests in the 'Name' field of custom post criteria, creating an attack vector that allows malicious actors to inject persistent malicious scripts into the plugin's data storage. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning because it requires only Contributor-level access or higher, making it exploitable by users who already have some level of administrative privileges within the WordPress environment. This access level is commonly granted to content creators, editors, and other trusted users who may not be fully vetted security personnel.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic stored XSS pattern where malicious scripts are injected into the plugin's database through the vulnerable Name field. When authenticated users with appropriate privileges view pages containing the injected content, the malicious scripts execute in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further compromise of the WordPress installation. The vulnerability's persistence stems from the fact that the injected scripts are stored server-side and executed whenever the affected pages are rendered, making it particularly dangerous for long-term exploitation. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79 as "Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')", which specifically addresses the failure to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-8965 extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the WordPress ecosystem. An attacker could potentially leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, access sensitive user data, or manipulate the review content to spread malware or phishing content. The vulnerability's exploitation is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where contributors might not be fully trusted, as it allows for persistent malicious activity that could go undetected for extended periods. The attack surface is broadened by the fact that these scripts could potentially access cookies, local storage, or other browser-based data that might contain sensitive information or authentication tokens. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment" and T1566.002 for "Phishing: Spearphishing Link" when considering the potential for attackers to use the injected scripts to redirect users to malicious sites or harvest credentials.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-8965 should begin with immediate patching of the Absolute Reviews plugin to the latest version where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement strict input validation and output escaping mechanisms for all user-supplied data within the WordPress environment, particularly for plugins that handle custom post types or user-generated content. Regular security audits of installed plugins should include checks for proper sanitization practices and vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues before they can be exploited. Access control measures should be reviewed to ensure that only users with legitimate need for Contributor-level access are granted such privileges, and that appropriate role restrictions are implemented to limit the potential damage from compromised accounts. Additionally, implementing content security policies and regular monitoring of user activity within the WordPress admin area can help detect and respond to suspicious behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and output escaping in web application security, particularly in content management systems where user-generated content is prevalent.