CVE-2024-4149 – Floating Chat Widget – Stored XSS – POC

Plugins like the Floating Chat Widget for WordPress offer seamless integration of chat functionalities with popular messaging platforms, enhancing user engagement. However, the discovery of CVE-2024-4149—a Stored XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) vulnerability in this plugin—highlights the critical importance of securing these communication tools. This article provides an in-depth look at the vulnerability, its implications, and steps for mitigating the associated risks.

CVE	CVE-2024-4149
Plugin	Floating Chat Widget < 3.2.3
Critical	High
All Time	3 369 352
Active installations	200 000+
Publicly Published	May 23, 2024
Last Updated	May 23, 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-2024-4149/ https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/0256ec2a-f1a9-4110-9978-ee88f9e24237/
Plugin Security Certification by CleanTalk
Logo of the plugin

Timeline

April 19, 2024	Plugin testing and vulnerability detection in the Floating Chat Widget have been completed
April 19, 2024	I contacted the author of the plugin and provided a vulnerability PoC with a description and recommendations for fixing
May 14, 2024	Registered CVE-2024-4149

Discovery of the Vulnerability

The vulnerability in question, CVE-2024-4149, was identified during security testing of the Floating Chat Widget plugin. This plugin allows WordPress site owners to integrate chat buttons for platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and more. The vulnerability specifically affects the parameter, which lacks proper sanitization. This flaw enables attackers to inject malicious scripts that can be stored and executed whenever the affected widget is loaded, leading to Stored XSS attacks.

Understanding of Stored XSS attack’s

Stored XSS is a type of Cross-Site Scripting attack where malicious scripts are injected into a web application and stored on the server. Unlike Reflected XSS, which is executed immediately, Stored XSS persists within the application and can be triggered whenever the infected data is accessed. In the context of WordPress, Stored XSS vulnerabilities can be particularly damaging as they can compromise user sessions, steal sensitive data, and facilitate the spread of malware.

Real-world examples of stored XSS in WordPress include vulnerabilities found in comment sections, contact forms, and plugin settings. Attackers exploit these vulnerabilities to inject scripts that steal user credentials, redirect users to malicious websites, or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of the victim.

Exploiting the Stored XSS Vulnerability

Exploiting CVE-2024-4149 involves manipulating specific plugin settings to inject malicious scripts. The following steps outline a proof of concept (POC) payload:

POC:

To reproduce the vulnerability, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Chaty panel
2. Create New Widgets
3. Intercept the widget’s edit request and save it.
4. Put the payload in the cht_social_Phone[contact_form_title_bg_color] parameter

PoC payload: The payload is inserted into the cht_social_Phone[contact_form_title_bg_color] parameter: “><script></script><img src=x onerror=alert(payload)>

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The potential risk posed by CVE-2024-4149 is significant. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to hijack user accounts, steal sensitive information, or perform malicious actions on the website. In a real-world scenario, an attacker could inject a script that creates a backdoor, granting them persistent access to the website even after the initial exploit is discovered and patched.

Recommendations for Improved Security

To mitigate the risks associated with

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2024-4149 and similar vulnerabilities, WordPress administrators should consider the following security measures:

1. Update the Plugin: Ensure the Floating Chat Widget plugin is updated to the latest version that addresses the vulnerability.
2. Input Validation and Sanitization: Implement robust input validation and output sanitization to prevent the injection of malicious scripts. All user input should be properly escaped before being rendered.
3. Use Security Plugins: Employ security plugins and web application firewalls (WAF) to detect and block malicious activities in real-time.
4. Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits and code reviews to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

By taking proactive measures to address Stored XSS vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-4149, WordPress website owners can enhance their security posture and safeguard against potential exploitation. Stay vigilant, stay secure.

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Artyom k.