CVE-2024-9772 in Uix Shortcodes Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2024
The The Uix Shortcodes – Compatible with Gutenberg plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary shortcode execution in all versions up to, and including, 1.9.9. This is due to the software allowing users to execute an action that does not properly validate a value before running do_shortcode. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary shortcodes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-9772 affects the Uix Shortcodes plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions up to and including 1.9.9. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the plugin's ability to properly validate user input before executing shortcode operations. The issue stems from insufficient sanitization and validation mechanisms within the plugin's shortcode processing functionality, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to manipulate the system's behavior through crafted input parameters.
The technical nature of this vulnerability resides in the plugin's failure to properly validate input values before executing the do_shortcode function. This flaw creates a path for arbitrary shortcode execution where attackers can inject and run malicious shortcode content without requiring authentication. The vulnerability manifests when the plugin processes user-supplied data through the do_shortcode action without adequate validation checks, enabling attackers to leverage this weakness for unauthorized code execution. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a classic example of a code injection vulnerability that can be exploited by unauthenticated threat actors.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-9772 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to manipulate WordPress sites through potentially destructive shortcode operations. Unauthenticated attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary shortcodes that may include malicious payloads, potentially leading to data exfiltration, site defacement, or further exploitation of the compromised WordPress installation. The vulnerability's accessibility means that any user with access to the affected WordPress site can exploit this weakness without requiring valid credentials, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible websites. This issue aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.008, which covers execution through scripting languages, and represents a significant threat to WordPress site integrity and security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-9772 require immediate action from affected site administrators, including updating to the latest version of the Uix Shortcodes plugin where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring of their WordPress installations to detect any suspicious shortcode activity or unauthorized modifications. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing input validation measures at the web application firewall level and conduct thorough security assessments of all WordPress plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include disabling the vulnerable plugin until a patched version is installed, followed by comprehensive testing to ensure no residual vulnerabilities remain. Security best practices recommend maintaining up-to-date WordPress core installations and regularly auditing plugin security to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components of the web application stack.