CVE-2024-9232 in Download Plugins and Themes in ZIP from Dashboard Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/11/2024
The Download Plugins and Themes in ZIP from Dashboard 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, 1.9.1. 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 • 03/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-9232 affects the Download Plugins and Themes in ZIP from Dashboard plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions up to and including 1.9.1. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of WordPress administrative interfaces and user interactions. The issue stems from improper handling of URL parameters within the plugin's codebase, creating an avenue for malicious actors to exploit reflected cross-site scripting vulnerabilities. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a widely used WordPress plugin that facilitates administrative tasks through the dashboard interface, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise WordPress installations.
The technical flaw manifests in the plugin's implementation where the add_query_arg function is utilized without proper escaping mechanisms for URL parameters. This creates a reflected cross-site scripting vector that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by users. The vulnerability occurs when user-supplied input is directly incorporated into URLs without adequate sanitization or encoding, enabling attackers to craft malicious URLs that, when clicked by unsuspecting users, execute arbitrary scripts in the victim's browser context. The reflected nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious script is reflected off the web server rather than being stored, making it particularly challenging to detect and prevent through traditional security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it creates opportunities for attackers to perform various malicious activities including credential theft, session hijacking, and redirection to malicious sites. Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this vulnerability to inject scripts that can capture user credentials, manipulate dashboard functionality, or redirect users to phishing sites. The attack requires social engineering to trick users into clicking malicious links, but once executed, the consequences can be severe for WordPress administrators and end users who may unknowingly execute malicious code. This vulnerability particularly affects WordPress installations where administrators frequently use the dashboard interface for plugin and theme management, creating a high-risk environment for exploitation.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and represents a classic example of improper output escaping in web applications. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving client-side exploitation and social engineering, where attackers leverage user trust to execute malicious payloads. The attack vector requires user interaction through clicking malicious links, which fits within the ATT&CK tactic of initial access through social engineering. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected versions to prevent exploitation, as the vulnerability does not require authentication to exploit and can affect any user who visits a maliciously crafted URL. The recommended mitigation strategy involves updating to the latest version of the plugin where proper escaping mechanisms have been implemented to prevent URL parameter injection attacks.
Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring for suspicious URL patterns and user behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious script injection attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output escaping in web applications, particularly in administrative interfaces where privileged actions are performed. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other components of the WordPress ecosystem. The incident underscores the critical need for maintaining up-to-date security practices and the importance of thorough code review processes to prevent such vulnerabilities from being introduced into production systems.