The digital realm often mirrors the vulnerabilities of the real world, where security breaches can significantly disrupt operations and compromise sensitive information. One such recent discovery underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive security measures in WordPress plugins. This particular vulnerability exists within the “Easy Table of Contents” plugin, which has over 500,000 installations, underscoring its widespread utilization and the critical need for immediate attention.
| CVE | CVE-2024-6334 |
| Plugin | Easy Table of Contents < 2.0.67 |
| Critical | High |
| All Time | 12 891 292 |
| Active installations | 500 000+ |
| Publicly Published | June 27, 2024 |
| Last Updated | June 27, 2024 |
| Researcher | Dmtirii Ignatyev |
| OWASP TOP-10 | A7: Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) |
| PoC | Yes |
| Exploit | No |
| Reference | https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2024-6334 https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/6c09083c-6960-4369-8c5c-ad20e34aaa8b/ |
| Plugin Security Certification by CleanTalk |  |
| Logo of the plugin |  |
Timeline
| June 18, 2024 | Plugin testing and vulnerability detection in the Easy Table of Contents have been completed |
| June 18, 2024 | I contacted the author of the plugin and provided a vulnerability PoC with a description and recommendations for fixing |
| June 27, 2024 | Registered CVE-2024-6334 |
Discovery of the Vulnerability
During routine security testing, a significant vulnerability, CVE-2024-6334, was identified in the “Easy Table of Contents” plugin. This vulnerability allows stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), enabling malicious actors to embed JavaScript code directly within posts that persist within the database and execute upon viewing.
Understanding of Stored XSS attack’s
Stored XSS is particularly pernicious as it does not require the victim to click on a link; instead, the script runs when the infected page is loaded. Real-world examples of such vulnerabilities have led to unauthorized administrative access, data theft, and even complete site takeover, demonstrating the high stakes of such seemingly simple code injections.
Exploiting the Stored XSS Vulnerability
The exploitation process involves an editor entering JavaScript through the “heading_text_tag” field in the plugin’s settings.
POC:
You should create new post with two more heading. Go to the settings of the plugin and change “ez-toc-settings[heading_text_tag]” field to “Malicious JS code eval() and etc. For example script -> Save Settings (Admins and editors are allowed to use JS in posts/pages/comments/etc, so the unfiltered_html capability should be disallowed when testing for Stored XSS using such roles)
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The implications of this vulnerability are severe, given the plugin’s widespread use. An attacker could potentially gain administrative access, manipulate site content, steal user data, and spread malware to site visitors, magnifying the attack’s impact beyond a single site to affect thousands of users.
Recommendations for Improved Security
Immediate steps should be taken to mitigate this risk:
- Update the Plugin: Ensure that the “Easy Table of Contents” plugin is updated to the latest version where this vulnerability has been patched.
- Sanitize Inputs: Always sanitize inputs to ensure that scripts are not unwittingly saved into the database.
- Educate Users: Train users with editing capabilities on the dangers of XSS and the importance of cautious input handling.
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits of all installed plugins and themes to detect and mitigate vulnerabilities promptly.
By taking proactive measures to address Stored XSS vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-6334, WordPress website owners can enhance their security posture and safeguard against potential exploitation. Stay vigilant, stay secure.
#WordPressSecurity #StoredXSS #WebsiteSafety #StayProtected #VeryHighVulnerability
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