CVE-2024-9703 in Arconix Shortcodes Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/18/2024
The Arconix Shortcodes plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the plugin's 'button' shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 2.1.12 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user supplied attributes. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with contributor-level access and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/03/2025
The Arconix Shortcodes plugin for WordPress presents a critical stored cross-site scripting vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-9703 affecting versions up to and including 2.1.12. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's 'button' shortcode implementation. The flaw allows authenticated attackers who possess contributor-level privileges or higher to inject malicious scripts that persist in the WordPress environment. The vulnerability operates through the manipulation of user-supplied attributes within the shortcode parameters, creating a persistent threat vector that can affect any user who accesses pages containing the maliciously injected content.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications. This weakness occurs when an application incorporates untrusted data into web pages without proper validation or escaping, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of the victim's browser. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that the malicious script is permanently saved within the application's database or storage system, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over time. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious shortcode parameters that include script tags or other malicious code within the button shortcode attributes.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-9703 extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with significant privileges within the WordPress environment. Contributors and higher user roles typically have access to edit content, manage media, and potentially modify plugin settings, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for WordPress installations. The vulnerability can be exploited to perform actions such as stealing user sessions, modifying content, accessing sensitive data, or even escalating privileges within the WordPress system. Additionally, the persistence of stored XSS means that the malicious scripts will execute automatically whenever affected pages are loaded, potentially affecting numerous users without their knowledge.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the Arconix Shortcodes plugin to the latest version that addresses the XSS flaw. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms for all user-supplied content, particularly within shortcode implementations. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by limiting contributor-level access to only necessary functions and by monitoring user activities for suspicious shortcode modifications. Security measures should include regular security audits of WordPress plugins, implementation of Content Security Policy headers, and user education regarding the risks of modifying content with potential XSS vulnerabilities. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper sanitization practices in web applications and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious content, highlighting the need for comprehensive security controls in content management systems.