CVE-2024-5173
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated WordPress users with contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts into pages using the HT Mega plugin's Video player widget. The scripts execute whenever users view the compromised pages, enabling attackers to steal session cookies, redirect users, or perform other malicious actions. All WordPress sites using HT Mega plugin versions up to 2.5.5 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- HT Mega - Absolute Addons For Elementor WordPress plugin
📦 What is this software?
Ht Mega by Hasthemes
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could steal administrator session cookies, take over the WordPress site, install backdoors, deface the site, or redirect users to malicious sites.
Likely Case
Attackers inject malicious scripts to steal user session cookies, redirect visitors to phishing sites, or display unwanted advertisements.
If Mitigated
With proper user role management and content review processes, impact is limited to potential defacement of specific pages.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires contributor-level WordPress access. Public proof-of-concept exists in vulnerability reports.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.5.6 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://wordpress.org/plugins/ht-mega-for-elementor/#developers
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Go to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'HT Mega - Absolute Addons For Elementor'. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update is available. 5. Alternatively, download version 2.5.6+ from WordPress.org and manually update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict User Roles
allTemporarily restrict contributor-level users from editing pages or remove contributor access entirely.
Disable Video Player Widget
allDisable the vulnerable widget in Elementor settings until patch is applied.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict user role management - only grant contributor access to trusted users
- Enable WordPress security plugins with XSS protection and implement content review workflows
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin → Plugins → Installed Plugins. If HT Mega plugin version is 2.5.5 or lower, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin list --name='ht-mega-for-elementor' --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify plugin version shows 2.5.6 or higher in WordPress plugins list.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual page edits by contributor users
- Suspicious script tags in page content
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful contributor login
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected external script loads from WordPress pages
- Suspicious redirects from legitimate pages
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress" AND (event="page_edit" AND user_role="contributor") OR (http_uri CONTAINS "<script>" AND http_host="your-wordpress-site")🔗 References
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/ht-mega-for-elementor/tags/2.5.3/includes/widgets/htmega_videoplayer.php#L549
- https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/aac9569e-d33d-45b3-bd03-2e7f48536ae5?source=cve
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/ht-mega-for-elementor/tags/2.5.3/includes/widgets/htmega_videoplayer.php#L549
- https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/aac9569e-d33d-45b3-bd03-2e7f48536ae5?source=cve
