CVE-2024-10362 exposes a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Ultimate Social Media Icons WordPress plugin. This popular plugin allows WordPress site administrators to display customizable social media icons, enabling visitors to share content across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more. Unfortunately, a flaw in its handling of user inputs can permit attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code, paving the way for serious security risks. This article explores how the vulnerability was discovered, the potential impact on WordPress sites, and practical steps to protect against such attacks.
| CVE | CVE-2024-8670 |
| Plugin | Social Media Share Buttons < 2.9.0 |
| Critical | Low |
| All Time | 18 517 783 |
| Active installations | 100 000+ |
| Publicly Published | April 29, 2024 |
| Last Updated | April 29, 2024 |
| 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-2024-10362 https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/701f653b-a0c3-49b4-972e-f26c3633ad92/ |
| Plugin Security Certification by CleanTalk |  |
| Logo of the plugin |  |
Timeline
| April 29, 2024 | Plugin testing and vulnerability detection in the Social Media Share Buttons have been completed |
| April 29, 2024 | I contacted the author of the plugin and provided a vulnerability PoC with a description and recommendations for fixing |
| October 4, 2024 | Registered CVE-2024-10362 |
Discovery of the Vulnerability
The vulnerability in the Ultimate Social Media Icons plugin was identified in its Optional settings section, particularly within the “Any other wishes for your main icons” tab. By manipulating this setting, attackers can exploit the sfsi_facebook_icons_language parameter to inject harmful code. If left unpatched, this vulnerability enables persistent XSS attacks, meaning that injected code will be saved in the site’s database and executed whenever the vulnerable icons are loaded on a page. This discovery highlights a critical security gap, making the plugin susceptible to backdoor creation and other forms of malicious exploitation.
Understanding of XSS attack’s
Stored XSS vulnerabilities are particularly hazardous because they embed malicious scripts within a site’s backend, ready to execute whenever the infected component loads. In WordPress, plugins that accept user-generated input without adequate sanitization are common sources of such vulnerabilities.
For instance, similar vulnerabilities have appeared in various WordPress plugins over the years, allowing attackers to execute commands, steal user sessions, and hijack administrative accounts. When a stored XSS attack is successful, it can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, redirection of users to malicious websites, or insertion of harmful scripts across multiple pages, making it a potent attack vector.
Exploiting the XSS Vulnerability
To exploit CVE-2024-10362, an attacker would need access to the admin panel of a WordPress site with the Ultimate Social Media Icons plugin installed. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the exploitation process:
- Access Optional Settings: In the WordPress admin panel, navigate to the Ultimate Social Media Icons plugin settings.
- Navigate to Customization Tab: Go to the “Any other wishes for your main icons” tab under Optional Settings.
- Intercept Request: Using a tool like Burp Suite, intercept the request containing the
sfsi_facebook_icons_languageparameter.- Inject Payload: Insert the following payload into the
sfsi_facebook_icons_languageparameter: 123123\\”onerror=alert(/XSS/)//- Save Settings and Trigger Execution: Save the settings and return to a page containing the social media icons to witness the payload execution, confirming the stored XSS vulnerability.
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Recommendations for Improved Security
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2024-10362, both WordPress administrators and plugin developers can take proactive steps:
- Implement Strong Input Sanitization: Plugin developers should ensure that all inputs, particularly those accepting user-generated code or customizations, are properly sanitized and validated.
- Regular Plugin Updates: Site administrators should stay up to date with plugin updates and patches, as developers often release security fixes in response to vulnerabilities.
- Restrict Access Permissions: Limit access to critical plugin settings to trusted users only, ensuring that unauthorized individuals cannot manipulate configurations.
By taking proactive measures to address Stored XSS vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-10362, WordPress website owners can enhance their security posture and safeguard against potential exploitation. Stay vigilant, stay secure.
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Artyom k.
