CVE-2024-50439
📋 TL;DR
This stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Astra Widgets WordPress plugin allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages that are then executed when other users view those pages. It affects all WordPress sites using Astra Widgets plugin versions up to 1.2.14. Attackers could steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users.
💻 Affected Systems
- Brainstorm Force Astra Widgets WordPress Plugin
📦 What is this software?
Astra Widgets by Brainstormforce
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could steal administrator session cookies, take over WordPress sites, install backdoors, deface websites, or redirect visitors to malicious sites that distribute malware.
Likely Case
Attackers inject malicious JavaScript to steal user session cookies, redirect users to phishing pages, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users within the WordPress dashboard.
If Mitigated
With proper input validation and output escaping, malicious scripts are neutralized before being stored or displayed to users.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts via widget inputs. The vulnerability is publicly documented with technical details available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.2.15
Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/astra-widgets/wordpress-astra-widgets-plugin-1-2-14-stored-cross-site-scripting-xss-vulnerability?_s_id=cve
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin dashboard. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Astra Widgets' and click 'Update Now'. 4. Verify update to version 1.2.15 or higher. 5. Clear any caching plugins or CDN caches.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Astra Widgets Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patching is possible
wp plugin deactivate astra-widgets
Restrict User Roles
allLimit contributor and author access to minimize attack surface
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to block XSS payloads in widget inputs
- Enable Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict script execution sources
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin dashboard → Plugins → Installed Plugins → Astra Widgets versionCheck Version:
wp plugin get astra-widgets --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Astra Widgets plugin version is 1.2.15 or higher in WordPress admin📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to widget update endpoints
- JavaScript payloads in widget-related database entries
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by widget modifications
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing script tags or JavaScript in widget parameters
- Unusual outbound connections from WordPress site after widget updates
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress.log" AND ("astra-widgets" OR "widget") AND ("<script>" OR "javascript:" OR "onerror=" OR "onload=")