CVE-2024-13658
📋 TL;DR
The NGG Smart Image Search WordPress plugin has a stored XSS vulnerability that allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts into website pages. These scripts execute whenever users visit the compromised pages, potentially stealing credentials or performing unauthorized actions. This affects all WordPress sites using the plugin up to version 3.2.1.
💻 Affected Systems
- NGG Smart Image Search WordPress Plugin
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could steal administrator credentials, deface websites, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions as authenticated users, potentially leading to complete site compromise.
Likely Case
Attackers inject malicious scripts to steal user session cookies, redirect visitors to phishing sites, or display unwanted content on affected pages.
If Mitigated
With proper user access controls and content security policies, impact is limited to defacement or minor content manipulation on affected pages.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access but is straightforward once authenticated. The vulnerability is in a publicly accessible shortcode.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 3.2.2 or later
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'NGG Smart Image Search' and click 'Update Now'. 4. Verify plugin version is 3.2.2 or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate ngg-smart-image-search
Restrict User Roles
allRemove contributor-level access from untrusted users
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict script execution
- Regularly audit user accounts and remove unnecessary contributor-level access
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel → Plugins → Installed Plugins → NGG Smart Image Search versionCheck Version:
wp plugin get ngg-smart-image-search --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify plugin version is 3.2.2 or higher in WordPress admin📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to WordPress admin-ajax.php with 'hr_SIS_nextgen_searchbox' parameters
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful contributor-level login
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected script tags in page responses containing 'hr_SIS_nextgen_searchbox'
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress" AND ("hr_SIS_nextgen_searchbox" OR "ngg-smart-image-search")