CVE-2024-9227 – PowerPress Podcasting < 11.9.18 – Author+ XSS – POC

PowerPress Podcasting, a widely-used WordPress plugin developed by Blubrry Podcasting, facilitates podcast management and publishing directly from a WordPress website. It integrates with major platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Music, making it an essential tool for podcasters. However, a vulnerability (CVE-2024-9227) has been discovered in versions below 11.9.18, allowing users with Author+ permissions to execute stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. This article explores the discovery, impact, exploitation, and mitigation of this vulnerability.

CVE	CVE-2024-9227
Plugin	PowerPress Podcasting < 11.9.18
Critical	High
All Time	5 475 911
Active installations	30 000+
Publicly Published	March 3, 2025
Last Updated	March 3, 2025
Researcher	Artyom Krugov
OWASP TOP-10	A7: Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
PoC	Yes
Exploit	No
Reference	https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2024-9227 https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/bb6515b9-a316-4146-8b7d-9b70a47aa366/
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Timeline

Discovery of the Vulnerability

During routine security testing of PowerPress Podcasting, researchers identified a stored XSS vulnerability. The flaw resides in the transcription feature of podcast episodes, where an attacker with Author+ privileges can inject malicious JavaScript. The script executes when an administrator or another user interacts with the affected entry, leading to potential account hijacking or data theft.

Understanding of XSS attack’s

Stored XSS occurs when an application improperly sanitizes user input before saving it to the database, allowing malicious scripts to persist and execute when loaded by a user. Unlike reflected XSS, which requires immediate user interaction, stored XSS remains active across sessions, making it more dangerous.

Example: A WordPress plugin with insufficient input validation allows an Author+ user to insert a JavaScript payload in a post’s metadata field. If an administrator later views or edits the post, the script executes in their browser, potentially compromising their account.

Exploiting the XSS Vulnerability

To reproduce the CVE-2024-9227 vulnerability:

POC:

1)Log in with an Author+ account.
2)Create a new post within PowerPress Podcasting.
3)In the "Podcast Episode" section, enter a URL.
4) Below the "Media URL" field, locate "Transcription (optional)" and select "Add a transcript."
5) Inject the following XSS payload in the transcript field:
"Malicious JS code eval() and etc. For example <img src=x onerror=alert(1)>
6)Save and publish the post.
7)When an administrator hovers over the affected element, the injected script executes, demonstrating the stored XSS vulnerability.

____

This vulnerability allows an attacker with Author+ permissions to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of an administrator’s session. Potential exploits include:

• Account Takeover: By stealing authentication cookies or session tokens, an attacker can gain admin privileges.
• Malicious Redirects: Injecting scripts that redirect users to phishing pages.
• Data Manipulation: Modifying plugin settings, altering podcast details, or injecting further malicious payloads.
• Defacement: Changing site content or embedding unwanted advertisements

Recommendations for Improved Security

To mitigate this vulnerability, consider the following:

• Update PowerPress Podcasting: Ensure the plugin is updated to version 11.9.18 or later, where this issue is patched.
• Input Sanitization: Implement strict filtering and escaping for all user inputs, particularly in fields supporting rich text.
• Restrict Permissions: Limit Author+ privileges where possible, preventing unnecessary access to sensitive features.
• Regular Security Audits: Perform periodic plugin and site-wide security assessments to detect vulnerabilities early.
• Implementing Content Security Policies (CSP) and performing regular security audits can help detect and block potential XSS vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Limiting user permissions and reviewing user roles periodically can also help prevent privilege escalation attacks. To prevent this type of attacks vendor used our methods of prevention.

By taking proactive measures to address Stored XSS vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-9227, WordPress website owners can enhance their security posture and safeguard against potential exploitation. Stay vigilant, stay secure.

#WordPressSecurity #StoredXSS #WebsiteSafety #StayProtected #HighVulnerability

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Artyom k.