CVE-2024-5002
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in the User Submitted Posts WordPress plugin allows administrators to inject malicious scripts into plugin settings, which then execute 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. Attackers with admin privileges can perform stored cross-site scripting attacks.
💻 Affected Systems
- User Submitted Posts WordPress plugin
📦 What is this software?
User Submitted Posts by Plugin Planet
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker with compromised admin credentials could inject persistent malicious scripts that steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users across the entire WordPress site.
Likely Case
Malicious administrator or compromised admin account injects JavaScript payloads that execute in victims' browsers when they access plugin settings pages, potentially leading to session hijacking or credential theft.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and admin account security, impact is limited to authorized administrators intentionally misusing their privileges.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires admin privileges. Attack involves injecting JavaScript into plugin settings fields that lack proper sanitization.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 20240516
Vendor Advisory: https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/da09b99a-fa40-428f-80b4-0af764fd2f4f/
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'User Submitted Posts' plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update available. 5. Alternatively, download version 20240516+ from WordPress repository and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Temporary plugin deactivation
allDisable the vulnerable plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate user-submitted-posts
Restrict admin access
allImplement strict access controls and monitoring for admin accounts
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove admin privileges from untrusted users and implement strict admin account security
- Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to mitigate XSS impact
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check plugin version in WordPress admin under Plugins → Installed Plugins. Look for 'User Submitted Posts' version number.Check Version:
wp plugin get user-submitted-posts --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm plugin version is 20240516 or later. Test that script tags in plugin settings fields are properly sanitized.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual admin activity modifying plugin settings
- JavaScript payloads in plugin option updates
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected external script loads from WordPress admin pages
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress" AND (event="plugin_settings_update" OR event="option_update") AND data CONTAINS "<script>"