CVE-2024-6850
📋 TL;DR
The Carousel Slider WordPress plugin before version 2.2.4 contains a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in plugin settings. This allows authenticated users with editor-level permissions or higher to inject malicious scripts that execute when other users view affected pages. The vulnerability bypasses WordPress's unfiltered_html security restriction.
💻 Affected Systems
- Carousel Slider WordPress Plugin
📦 What is this software?
Carousel Slider by Majeedraza
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker with editor privileges could inject malicious JavaScript that steals administrator credentials, redirects users to malicious sites, or performs actions on behalf of authenticated users, potentially leading to complete site compromise.
Likely Case
Malicious editor injects tracking scripts, defaces content, or steals session cookies from other users viewing the affected carousel content.
If Mitigated
With proper user access controls and content security policies, impact is limited to the specific carousel content area and doesn't affect other site functionality.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access with editor privileges. The vulnerability is in plugin settings that should be properly sanitized.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.2.4
Vendor Advisory: https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/c06995cb-1685-4751-811f-aead52a597a7/
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Log into WordPress admin panel. 2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins. 3. Find 'Carousel Slider' and click 'Update Now'. 4. Verify version shows 2.2.4 or higher.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove Editor Plugin Access
allTemporarily remove the Carousel Slider plugin from editor role capabilities
Use WordPress role management plugin or custom code to restrict plugin access
Disable Plugin
linuxDeactivate the Carousel Slider plugin until patched
wp plugin deactivate carousel-slider
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict editor role permissions to prevent access to plugin settings
- Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to mitigate XSS impact
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WordPress admin → Plugins → Installed Plugins → Carousel Slider version numberCheck Version:
wp plugin get carousel-slider --field=versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Carousel Slider plugin version is 2.2.4 or higher in WordPress admin📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual plugin setting modifications by editor users
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by plugin access
Network Indicators:
- Suspicious JavaScript payloads in HTTP POST requests to wp-admin/admin-ajax.php
SIEM Query:
source="wordpress" AND (event="plugin_edit" OR event="option_update") AND plugin="carousel-slider"