CVE-2024-9344 in BerqWP Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/02/2024
The BerqWP – Automated All-In-One PageSpeed Optimization Plugin for Core Web Vitals, Cache, CDN, Images, CSS, and JavaScript plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting via the 'url' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 2.1.1 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. 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 BerqWP plugin for WordPress presents a critical reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability that affects all versions up to and including 2.1.1. This vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of the 'url' parameter, which fails to properly sanitize user input before processing. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that can execute in the context of a victim's browser when the crafted payload is executed. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, creating an attack surface where malicious code can be injected and subsequently executed without authentication requirements.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows standard XSS attack patterns where an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing script payloads in the 'url' parameter. When an unsuspecting user clicks on the malicious link and the page containing the vulnerable parameter is rendered, the injected scripts execute in the user's browser context. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize user input, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 for initial access through malicious links.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it enables attackers to manipulate the user's browsing experience and potentially compromise user sessions. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to create persistent threats by injecting scripts that modify page content, redirect users to phishing sites, or steal cookies and session data. The lack of authentication requirements makes this particularly dangerous as any user visiting the malicious link could be compromised. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of WordPress sites by potentially corrupting user experiences and creating security risks for site administrators and visitors alike.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the BerqWP plugin to version 2.1.2 or later where the XSS vulnerability has been addressed. Administrators should implement input validation measures and output escaping for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in URL handling. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense, though they are not substitutes for proper code remediation. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other plugins and themes. Organizations should also educate users about the dangers of clicking suspicious links and implement browser security policies that restrict script execution in potentially dangerous contexts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and output escaping in web applications, as outlined in OWASP's top ten security risks and the principles of secure coding practices.