CVE-2024-9237 in Fish and Ships Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/04/2024
The Fish and Ships – Most flexible shipping table rate. A WooCommerce shipping rate 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, 1.5.9. 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 • 03/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-9237 affects the Fish and Ships WooCommerce shipping rate plugin for WordPress, a widely used e-commerce solution that enables merchants to implement flexible shipping table rates for their online stores. This plugin operates within the WordPress ecosystem and integrates with WooCommerce's shipping functionality, allowing administrators to configure complex shipping rules based on various factors such as weight, dimensions, and destination. The vulnerability resides in how the plugin handles URL parameters, specifically within its implementation of the add_query_arg function which is commonly used to manipulate query strings in WordPress environments. The affected versions range from the initial release up to and including version 1.5.9, indicating a significant attack surface that could potentially impact numerous WordPress installations running this particular plugin.
The technical flaw manifests as a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability classified under CWE-79, which occurs when user-supplied data is reflected back in the application's response without proper sanitization or escaping. In this case, the plugin fails to adequately escape URL parameters when using add_query_arg, which allows malicious actors to inject malicious JavaScript code into the URL. When an unsuspecting user clicks on a specially crafted link containing the malicious payload, the script executes within the user's browser context, potentially compromising the user's session or enabling further attacks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication to exploit, making it accessible to any attacker who can诱导 users to click on malicious links. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which describes social engineering tactics using malicious links, and specifically targets the web application layer where the reflected XSS occurs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious websites. An attacker could craft a link that, when clicked by an administrator or customer, would execute JavaScript code that steals cookies or session tokens, potentially allowing complete compromise of the affected WordPress site. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious script must be embedded in a URL that is then visited by the victim, but the lack of proper escaping makes it possible for attackers to create payloads that persist in the browser context. This vulnerability affects the integrity of the web application and can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of content, or even complete takeover of the WordPress installation. The impact is amplified by the widespread use of WooCommerce and WordPress plugins, meaning that a successful exploitation could potentially affect numerous online stores and their customers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-9237 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the reflected XSS vulnerability, as developers typically release patches that properly escape URL parameters and implement input validation. Organizations should also implement content security policies that restrict script execution and prevent unauthorized code injection, which can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. Regular security monitoring and vulnerability scanning should be employed to identify potentially affected installations, while user education about suspicious links and phishing attempts remains crucial. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests, though these should complement rather than replace proper code-level fixes. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input sanitization and output escaping in web applications, particularly when dealing with URL parameters and user-supplied data, and serves as a reminder that even seemingly simple functions like add_query_arg require careful handling to prevent security flaws. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely updates of all WordPress plugins and themes, as this vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for maintaining current security patches to protect against known exploits.