CVE-2024-9240 in ReDi Restaurant Reservation Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/17/2024
The ReDi Restaurant Reservation 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, 24.0902. 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 • 03/04/2025
The CVE-2024-9240 vulnerability affects the ReDi Restaurant Reservation plugin for WordPress, representing a critical security flaw that exposes users to reflected cross-site scripting attacks. This vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 24.0902, making it a widespread concern for WordPress site administrators who have implemented this reservation system. The flaw stems from improper handling of URL parameters within the plugin's codebase, specifically through the use of add_query_arg function without adequate escaping mechanisms. This creates an environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary JavaScript code into web pages that will execute when users navigate to specifically crafted URLs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the plugin's failure to sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into URL parameters. When the add_query_arg function processes URL construction, it does not properly escape special characters that could enable script execution. This reflects a common weakness in web application security where input validation and output encoding are not adequately implemented. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203 which covers Exploitation for Client Execution through web-based attacks. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious URLs that contain script payloads, which then get reflected back to users who visit these links, particularly when the links are shared through phishing campaigns or social engineering tactics.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-9240 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities against unsuspecting users. Unauthenticated attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, perform actions on behalf of logged-in users, or even install malware on affected systems. The reflected nature of the attack means that the malicious script is not stored on the server but is instead injected into the response by the web application. This makes it particularly dangerous because it can be delivered through various vectors including email links, social media posts, or compromised websites that redirect users to malicious URLs. The vulnerability affects any user who interacts with the reservation plugin's functionality, making it a significant risk for restaurants and businesses that rely on WordPress for their online presence.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-9240 should focus on immediate patching of the ReDi Restaurant Reservation plugin to the latest version that addresses this vulnerability. System administrators should also implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent similar issues in the future. The WordPress security community recommends using proper escaping functions such as esc_url() or esc_attr() when handling URL parameters to prevent XSS attacks. Additionally, implementing content security policies can provide an additional layer of protection against script execution even if other defenses fail. Organizations should conduct regular security audits of their WordPress installations, particularly focusing on third-party plugins that may contain similar vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework suggests implementing network monitoring and user behavior analytics to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security updates, proper access controls, and user education about suspicious links are essential components of a comprehensive defense strategy against this type of vulnerability.