CVE-2024-53797
📋 TL;DR
This stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Beaver Builder WordPress plugin allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages. When users view pages containing the malicious content, the scripts execute in their browsers. All WordPress sites using Beaver Builder versions up to 2.8.4.3 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Beaver Builder WordPress Page Builder Plugin
📦 What is this software?
Beaver Builder by Fastlinemedia
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers could steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, perform actions on behalf of authenticated users, or deface websites.
Likely Case
Attackers inject malicious JavaScript to steal user session cookies or credentials, potentially compromising admin accounts.
If Mitigated
With proper input validation and output encoding, malicious scripts would be neutralized before reaching users.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated access (contributor role or higher). XSS payloads are well-documented and easy to craft.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.8.4.4
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins. 3. Find Beaver Builder. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update available. 5. Alternatively, download version 2.8.4.4+ from WordPress repository and replace plugin files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict User Roles
allLimit contributor and author roles to trusted users only to reduce attack surface.
Content Security Policy
allImplement CSP headers to restrict script execution sources.
Header set Content-Security-Policy "default-src 'self'; script-src 'self'"
Add to .htaccess or web server config
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable Beaver Builder plugin temporarily
- Implement web application firewall (WAF) with XSS protection rules
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin > Plugins > Installed Plugins for Beaver Builder version. If version is 2.8.4.3 or lower, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin list --name=beaver-builder --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Beaver Builder version is 2.8.4.4 or higher in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to Beaver Builder endpoints
- Suspicious script tags in page content
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful contributor login
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections to unknown domains after page load
- Unexpected JavaScript execution in browser dev tools
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress" AND (plugin="beaver-builder" OR uri="/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php") AND (method="POST" AND (body CONTAINS "<script>" OR body CONTAINS "javascript:"))