CVE-2024-13721
📋 TL;DR
This stored XSS vulnerability in the Plethora Plugins Tabs + Accordions WordPress plugin allows authenticated attackers with Contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts via the anchor parameter. The scripts execute whenever users view affected pages, potentially compromising visitor browsers. All WordPress sites using this plugin up to version 1.1.8 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Plethora Plugins Tabs + Accordions WordPress plugin
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could steal admin credentials, redirect users to malicious sites, deface websites, or install malware on visitor systems through persistent script execution.
Likely Case
Attackers with contributor access inject malicious scripts to steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing pages, or display unwanted content on affected pages.
If Mitigated
With proper input validation and output escaping, the vulnerability would be prevented, and only legitimate anchor parameters would be processed.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access but is straightforward once authenticated. Public proof-of-concept exists in vulnerability references.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.1.9 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/plethora-tabs-accordions/trunk/plethoraplugins-tabs.php#L423
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Plethora Plugins Tabs + Accordions'. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update available. 5. Alternatively, download version 1.1.9+ from WordPress repository and replace plugin files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable plugin
allTemporarily deactivate the plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate plethora-tabs-accordions
Restrict user roles
allLimit contributor-level access to trusted users only
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block XSS payloads in anchor parameters
- Monitor and audit user-generated content for suspicious script tags
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin panel > Plugins > Installed Plugins for 'Plethora Plugins Tabs + Accordions' version 1.1.8 or lowerCheck Version:
wp plugin get plethora-tabs-accordions --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm plugin version is 1.1.9 or higher in WordPress admin panel📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to anchor parameter endpoints
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful contributor login
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections to suspicious domains from your WordPress site
- Unexpected script tags in HTTP responses
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND ("anchor" AND ("script" OR "javascript:" OR "onerror="))