CVE-2024-9374 in Terms Descriptions Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/24/2024
The Terms descriptions 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, 3.4.6. 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 • 03/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-9374 affects the Terms descriptions plugin for WordPress, a widely used tool for managing taxonomy terms and their associated descriptions within the WordPress ecosystem. This plugin serves as an essential component for content management systems that rely on organized taxonomies to structure their digital content. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of URL parameters within the plugin's codebase, specifically in how it processes and renders query arguments. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs that contain specially formatted script code within the query parameters. The vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 3.4.6, indicating a long-standing issue that has persisted across multiple releases without proper remediation. This affects a significant portion of WordPress installations that utilize this particular plugin for their taxonomy management needs.
The technical flaw manifests in the plugin's failure to properly escape URL parameters when using the add_query_arg function, which is a standard WordPress function for manipulating query strings. This particular implementation does not sanitize or escape the output of query arguments before they are rendered in web pages, creating a classic reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability. The vulnerability operates by injecting malicious script code into URL parameters that are then reflected back to users who visit the compromised page. When an unsuspecting user clicks on a malicious link containing the crafted payload, the script executes in their browser within the context of the vulnerable WordPress site. This allows attackers to perform actions such as stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or executing arbitrary commands on behalf of the victim. The vulnerability is classified as reflected XSS because the malicious script is reflected from the web server back to the user's browser without being stored on the server, making it particularly dangerous for mass distribution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks within the WordPress environment. An attacker could potentially steal administrator credentials, modify content, or establish persistent access to compromised sites. The vulnerability affects unauthenticated attackers, meaning no prior login credentials or privileges are required to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for public-facing WordPress installations. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that attackers can easily distribute malicious links through various channels including email, social media, or compromised websites, without needing to maintain persistent access to the target system. This creates a significant risk for WordPress sites that rely on the Terms descriptions plugin, as the vulnerability can be exploited through simple user interaction such as clicking on a malicious link. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be executed against any user who visits a page containing the vulnerable query parameters, potentially affecting site administrators, editors, or regular visitors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-9374 primarily focus on immediate remediation through plugin updates to versions that properly escape URL parameters. Administrators should prioritize updating to the latest available version of the Terms descriptions plugin that addresses this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output escaping techniques can help prevent similar issues in the future. Security measures such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection by filtering suspicious query parameters before they reach the vulnerable code. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues across all WordPress plugins and themes. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1566 for social engineering attacks that leverage reflected XSS vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts, providing an additional layer of defense against this class of vulnerability. The incident underscores the importance of proper input sanitization and output escaping practices in web development, particularly for plugins that handle user-provided data in URL parameters.