CVE-2024-7879 exposes a critical Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the WP-ULike plugin, a popular WordPress plugin with over 100,000 active installations used for tracking user reactions. This flaw allows attackers with editor-level permissions to inject malicious JavaScript into the widget’s “Title” field. Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to account takeovers, backdoor creation, and potentially full control of the WordPress site.
| CVE | CVE-2024-7879 |
| Plugin | WP ULike < 4.7.5 |
| Critical | High |
| All Time | 1 952 645 |
| Active installations | 100 000+ |
| Publicly Published | October 15, 2024 |
| Last Updated | October 15, 2024 |
| Researcher | Dmitrii Ignatyev |
| OWASP TOP-10 | A7: Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) |
| PoC | Yes |
| Exploit | No |
| Reference | https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2024-7879 https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/5ad1c40a-5e13-40b6-8652-c23a1f39abc2/ |
| Plugin Security Certification by CleanTalk |  |
| Logo of the plugin |  |
Timeline
| July 26, 2024 | Plugin testing and vulnerability detection in the WP ULike – All-in-One Engagement Toolkit have been completed |
| July 26, 2024 | I contacted the author of the plugin and provided a vulnerability PoC with a description and recommendations for fixing |
| October 15, 2024 | Registered CVE-2024-7879 |
Discovery of the Vulnerability
The vulnerability was identified during security testing when it was found that the “Title” field in the WP-ULike widget settings did not properly sanitize user input. This lack of validation enables attackers to embed harmful JavaScript that executes when the widget is rendered, particularly when viewed by administrators or other privileged users.
Once the payload is saved, the malicious script runs whenever the widget is loaded in the WordPress admin dashboard or on the front end where it’s displayed, potentially leading to session hijacking or unauthorized account creation.
Understanding of XSS attack’s
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities occur when user input is not correctly sanitized, allowing attackers to execute scripts in other users’ browsers. Stored XSS, like CVE-2024-7879, is especially dangerous because the malicious code is stored in the database and executed each time the affected component is accessed.
In the context of WordPress, XSS vulnerabilities can have severe implications. For example, injecting JavaScript into the WP-ULike widget “Title” field allows attackers to steal session cookies, take over admin accounts, or plant persistent backdoors for long-term access. Real-world examples of similar vulnerabilities have resulted in compromised sites, stolen user data, and the spread of malware.
Exploiting the XSS Vulnerability
To exploit CVE-2024-7879, an attacker with sufficient permissions (e.g., an editor) can modify the WP-ULike widget by inserting a payload like:
POC:
You should change "Title" field in widget settings to "Malicious JS code eval() and etc. For example 123" onmouseover=alert(1)// -> 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)____
The risks associated with CVE-2024-7879 are significant. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized account access, persistent backdoor installation, or the manipulation of site content. High-traffic websites using WP-ULike to engage with users could face serious consequences, including data breaches, site defacement, and the risk of malware distribution.
Real-world exploitation could involve attackers inserting backdoors into popular pages or hijacking admin sessions, which could be used to elevate privileges or steal confidential data. The long-term impact of a successful attack could be devastating for businesses that rely on their WordPress sites for revenue and customer interaction.
Recommendations for Improved Security
To mitigate the risks of CVE-2024-7879, WordPress administrators should update the WP-ULike plugin to the latest version once a patch is released. Developers must ensure that input fields like the “Title” field in widget settings are properly sanitized to block malicious code.
Administrators should also audit user roles and permissions, limiting the ability for contributors and editors to inject unfiltered HTML or JavaScript. Implementing a security plugin that scans for XSS vulnerabilities and blocks suspicious scripts can add an extra layer of protection. Regular plugin updates and security audits are crucial to identifying and mitigating potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
By taking proactive measures to address Stored XSS vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-7879, WordPress website owners can enhance their security posture and safeguard against potential exploitation. Stay vigilant, stay secure.
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