CVE-2024-56274
📋 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. The vulnerability affects all WordPress sites using Astra Widgets plugin versions up to 1.2.15. Attackers can 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 containing malware.
Likely Case
Attackers inject malicious JavaScript to steal user session cookies, redirect users to phishing pages, or perform actions as authenticated users with limited privileges.
If Mitigated
With proper input validation and output encoding, malicious scripts are neutralized before being stored or displayed to users.
🎯 Exploit Status
XSS vulnerabilities are commonly exploited. While no public PoC is confirmed, stored XSS in WordPress plugins is frequently weaponized. Attackers typically need some level of access to inject payloads.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.2.16 or later
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. Alternatively, download version 1.2.16+ from WordPress.org and manually update via FTP.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Astra Widgets Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patching is possible
wp plugin deactivate astra-widgets
Implement WAF Rules
allConfigure web application firewall to block XSS payloads targeting Astra Widgets endpoints
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict user roles that can access widget configuration to trusted administrators only
- Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to mitigate script execution from unauthorized sources
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin → Plugins → Installed Plugins → Astra Widgets version. If version is 1.2.15 or lower, you are vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin get astra-widgets --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
After updating, verify Astra Widgets version shows 1.2.16 or higher in WordPress plugins list.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual POST requests to /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with Astra Widgets parameters containing script tags or JavaScript code
- Multiple failed XSS attempts in web server logs
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests containing malicious script payloads in widget-related parameters
- Unexpected outbound connections from WordPress site after widget updates
SIEM Query:
source="web_server" AND (uri_path="/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php" OR uri_path="/wp-json/") AND (http_method="POST" OR http_method="PUT") AND (request_body CONTAINS "<script>" OR request_body CONTAINS "javascript:" OR request_body CONTAINS "onerror=" OR request_body CONTAINS "onload=")