CVE-2024-9347 in Ultimate Toolkit Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/17/2024
The The Ultimate WordPress Toolkit – WP Extended plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting via the 'wpext-export' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 3.0.9 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.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-9347 affects the Ultimate WordPress Toolkit – WP Extended plugin, a popular WordPress extension that provides various administrative tools and features for website management. This particular flaw exists within the plugin's handling of user input through the 'wpext-export' parameter, which is utilized in the plugin's export functionality. The vulnerability represents a critical security weakness that could potentially allow attackers to execute malicious code within the context of a victim's browser, making it a significant concern for WordPress site administrators who rely on this plugin for their website operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's codebase. Specifically, the plugin fails to properly sanitize the 'wpext-export' parameter before processing and displaying user-supplied data, creating an environment where malicious scripts can be injected and executed. This reflects a classic reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability where attacker-controlled data flows from the input parameter through the application and back to the user's browser without proper sanitization. The vulnerability affects all versions of the plugin up to and including version 3.0.9, indicating that this weakness has persisted for an extended period within the plugin's codebase.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers to perform various malicious activities. An attacker could craft a malicious URL containing the XSS payload and send it to unsuspecting users through social engineering tactics such as phishing emails, compromised websites, or malicious advertisements. When a victim clicks on the crafted link, the malicious script executes within their browser session, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites. The reflected nature of this vulnerability means that the attack payload is not stored on the server but is instead reflected back to the user through the application's response, making it particularly challenging to detect and prevent.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications, and demonstrates the importance of implementing proper input validation and output escaping techniques. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1566, which involves the exploitation of vulnerabilities to gain initial access to systems. Organizations using this plugin should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to the latest version of the plugin, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting security audits of their WordPress installations. The vulnerability also highlights the need for regular security assessments and the importance of keeping all WordPress plugins and themes updated to protect against known security flaws that could be exploited by threat actors.