CVE-2024-12716
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in the Simple Basic Contact Form WordPress plugin allows administrators to inject malicious scripts into plugin settings, which are then executed when other users view those settings. It affects WordPress sites using vulnerable versions of this plugin, particularly in multisite configurations where unfiltered_html capability is restricted. The attack requires admin-level privileges but can target all users who view the affected pages.
💻 Affected Systems
- Simple Basic Contact Form WordPress Plugin
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker with admin access could inject persistent malicious scripts that steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users across the entire WordPress site.
Likely Case
Malicious admin injects JavaScript that captures user sessions or displays unwanted content to other administrators and editors who manage the plugin settings.
If Mitigated
With proper user access controls and regular plugin updates, impact is limited to potential privilege escalation within the admin panel only.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires administrative privileges. The vulnerability is in plugin settings that aren't properly sanitized before being stored and displayed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 20250114
Vendor Advisory: https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/a9fa48f1-d7fd-4968-a122-937803f186a2/
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Simple Basic Contact Form'. 4. Click 'Update Now' if available. 5. If no update appears, download version 20250114+ from WordPress.org and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate simple-basic-contact-form
Restrict Admin Access
allLimit administrative accounts to trusted users only and implement multi-factor authentication
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove admin privileges from untrusted users and implement strict access controls
- Install a web application firewall (WAF) with XSS protection rules
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel → Plugins → Simple Basic Contact Form → Version. If version is earlier than 20250114, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get simple-basic-contact-form --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 20250114 or later in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual modifications to plugin settings by admin users
- JavaScript payloads in plugin option values in database
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound connections from WordPress admin pages to external domains
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress" AND (event="plugin_updated" OR event="option_updated") AND plugin="simple-basic-contact-form"