CVE-2024-56289
📋 TL;DR
This is a reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Groundhogg WordPress plugin that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability affects all versions up to 3.7.3.3, potentially compromising any WordPress site using the vulnerable plugin.
💻 Affected Systems
- Groundhogg WordPress Plugin
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ 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 craft malicious URLs containing XSS payloads that execute when victims click them, potentially stealing session data or performing limited unauthorized actions.
If Mitigated
With proper input validation and output encoding, malicious scripts would be neutralized before reaching users.
🎯 Exploit Status
Reflected XSS typically requires user interaction (clicking malicious link).
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version after 3.7.3.3
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find Groundhogg plugin. 4. Click 'Update Now' if update available. 5. Alternatively, download latest version from WordPress repository and replace plugin files.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Validation Web Application Firewall
allDeploy WAF rules to block XSS payloads in URL parameters
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Temporarily disable Groundhogg plugin if not essential
- Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict script execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin → Plugins → Groundhogg version. If version ≤ 3.7.3.3, vulnerable.Check Version:
wp plugin list --name=groundhogg --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Groundhogg version > 3.7.3.3 in WordPress admin panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual long URL parameters containing script tags or JavaScript code
- Multiple failed requests with XSS payload patterns
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests with suspicious parameters containing <script>, javascript:, or encoded payloads
SIEM Query:
web.url:*<script* OR web.url:*javascript:*