CVE-2024-9619 in WP SHAPES Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/20/2024
The WP SHAPES plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via SVG File uploads in all versions up to, and including, 1.0.0 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Author-level access and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses the SVG file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2025
The WP SHAPES plugin for WordPress presents a critical stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that affects all versions up to and including 1.0.0. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's SVG file upload functionality. The flaw specifically targets authenticated attackers who possess Author-level access or higher permissions within the WordPress environment, making it particularly concerning for sites where user roles are not strictly controlled. The vulnerability exists because the plugin fails to properly validate and sanitize SVG file contents before storing them in the system, creating a persistent vector for malicious script injection that can affect any user who accesses the compromised SVG files.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to upload specially crafted SVG files containing malicious JavaScript code that gets stored server-side and executed whenever users view the files. This stored XSS vulnerability operates through the SVG file upload mechanism, where the plugin does not adequately filter or escape user-supplied content before rendering it in web pages. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because SVG files are often rendered directly by web browsers without the same security restrictions applied to other file types, and the plugin's insufficient sanitization means that malicious code embedded within the SVG structure can execute in the context of the victim's browser session. This creates a persistent threat that remains active until the malicious files are removed from the system or the plugin is updated.
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. Since the vulnerability requires only Author-level access, it represents a significant risk for WordPress installations where content authors or contributors may have elevated privileges without proper security oversight. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that once a malicious SVG file is uploaded, it can affect multiple users over time without requiring repeated exploitation attempts. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in collaborative environments where multiple users with varying permission levels have access to the plugin's upload functionality, potentially allowing attackers to establish long-term persistence within the affected WordPress environment.
Security professionals should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability by updating to the latest version of the WP SHAPES plugin where the issue has been addressed through proper input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms. Organizations should implement additional security measures such as restricting upload capabilities to trusted users only, implementing file type validation, and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a specific implementation weakness in the plugin's file handling processes. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence through web shell deployment, as attackers can leverage the stored XSS to maintain access to compromised systems and potentially expand their attack surface. The recommended mitigation strategy includes not only plugin updates but also comprehensive monitoring of file upload activities and user access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts.