CVE-2024-9853 in ID-SK Toolkit Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2024
The ID-SK Toolkit plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via SVG File uploads in all versions up to, and including, 1.7.2 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 • 03/02/2025
The CVE-2024-9853 vulnerability affects the ID-SK Toolkit plugin for WordPress, representing a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw that has significant implications for WordPress site security. This vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 1.7.2 of the plugin, making it a widespread concern for WordPress administrators who have not yet updated their installations. The flaw specifically targets the SVG file upload functionality within the plugin, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by attackers with relatively low privileges. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows authenticated attackers with Author-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts that will execute whenever any user accesses the compromised SVG files, creating a persistent threat vector that can affect multiple users over time.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's SVG upload handling code. When users upload SVG files through the ID-SK Toolkit plugin, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the file content before storing it in the WordPress environment. This lack of proper input validation creates an opportunity for attackers to embed malicious JavaScript code within SVG files that would normally be considered safe. The vulnerability manifests as a stored XSS attack because the malicious scripts are permanently stored on the server and executed each time the SVG file is accessed, rather than being a reflected XSS that only occurs during a single request. This stored nature makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users without requiring them to click on specific links or perform specific actions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for WordPress sites that utilize the ID-SK Toolkit plugin, particularly those with multiple users or content creators who may have Author-level privileges. The attack vector requires only authentication with an Author-level account or higher, which is often granted to trusted contributors or editors within WordPress sites. Once exploited, the malicious scripts can perform a wide range of harmful activities including stealing user sessions, redirecting traffic to malicious sites, defacing content, or even exfiltrating sensitive data from the WordPress environment. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as these scripts can potentially manipulate the entire WordPress interface, compromise user data, and provide attackers with a foothold for further exploitation within the site's ecosystem. The vulnerability also creates a persistent threat that remains active until the plugin is updated and the malicious files are removed from the system.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to established frameworks such as CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications, and the ATT&CK framework's T1566.001 technique for initial access through spearphishing attachments, which could potentially involve SVG files as attack vectors. The vulnerability also aligns with the OWASP Top Ten 2021 category A03: Data Exposure, as the stored scripts could potentially access or exfiltrate sensitive data from authenticated users. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of the ID-SK Toolkit plugin to version 1.7.3 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to prevent SVG file upload sanitization issues. Additionally, administrators should implement monitoring for unusual SVG file uploads and consider implementing additional security measures such as file type restrictions, content validation, and regular security audits of plugin installations. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input validation and output escaping in web applications, particularly when handling user-uploaded content that may contain complex file formats like SVG which can contain executable code.