On February 8, 2025, security researchers discovered a severe stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability (CVE-2024-13850) in the WordPress plugin Simple Add Pages or Posts (<= 2.0.0), developed by Pham Van Tam. This vulnerability poses a significant risk, allowing authenticated users with administrator privileges to inject malicious scripts into the WordPress backend.
If exploited, this flaw could compromise website security, steal sensitive data, or even grant an attacker full administrative control over the affected site.
What is CVE-2024-13850?
CVE-2024-13850 is a stored XSS vulnerability affecting the Simple Add Pages or Posts plugin version 2.0.0 and below. This flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the browser of an authenticated WordPress administrator.
Since the payload is stored in the database, it executes whenever an admin accesses the infected page, leading to possible session hijacking, data leaks, or complete site takeover.
Why is this Dangerous?
- Admin Account Targeting: Attackers can insert malicious scripts that run when an administrator accesses the dashboard.
- Persistent Attack: Unlike reflected XSS, stored XSS remains active in the database and can be triggered repeatedly.
- Potential for Full Site Compromise: With admin privileges, attackers can create new users, modify posts, inject spam links, or even lock out legitimate site owners.
Affected Plugin: Simple Add Pages or Posts
- Plugin Name: Simple Add Pages or Posts
- Developer: Pham Van Tam
- Affected Versions: 2.0.0 and below
- Patched Version: Not yet released
- CVE ID: CVE-2024-13850
How Does the Exploit Work?
An attacker with administrative access can inject malicious JavaScript into input fields that are not properly sanitized. The script executes when another administrator interacts with the infected page, leading to various exploit scenarios, such as:
- Cookie Theft: Stealing session cookies to hijack admin accounts.
- Phishing Attacks: Injecting fake login forms to collect credentials.
- Redirects to Malicious Sites: Tricking users into visiting harmful websites.
- Defacement: Altering the website’s content with unwanted messages or spam.
Proof of Concept (PoC)
To demonstrate the vulnerability, an attacker could inject the following JavaScript payload:
<script>alert('XSS Exploit');</script>Once an administrator loads the infected page, the script executes, confirming the presence of an XSS vulnerability.
Mitigation & Fixes
If you are using Simple Add Pages or Posts (<= 2.0.0), take the following actions immediately:
1. Update or Disable the Plugin
- Check for an update on the WordPress Plugin Repository.
- If no patch is available, disable and uninstall the plugin until a fix is released.
2. Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF)
Use a WAF like:
- Cloudflare (Free and paid plans available)
- Sucuri (Advanced security protection)
These firewalls can block XSS payloads and prevent unauthorized script execution.
3. Sanitize and Escape User Input
If you are a developer modifying the plugin, ensure all user inputs are sanitized using WordPress functions:
esc_html()for escaping HTML content.sanitize_text_field()for text inputs.
4. Monitor User Activity
Use security plugins like:
- Wordfence (Malware scanning and firewall protection)
- iThemes Security (Two-factor authentication and logging)
Final Thoughts
CVE-2024-13850 is a serious vulnerability that can compromise WordPress sites running outdated versions of the Simple Add Pages or Posts plugin. Until a patch is released, site administrators must take immediate action by disabling the plugin and implementing additional security measures.
For more details, stay updated via Mitre’s CVE database and regularly check your WordPress security settings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does CVE-2024-13850 affect?
This vulnerability impacts WordPress sites using Simple Add Pages or Posts plugin versions <= 2.0.0, potentially allowing admin-level stored XSS attacks.
2. Is there an official patch available?
As of now, no official patch has been released. Users should disable the plugin or apply alternative security measures.
3. Can this vulnerability affect regular website visitors?
No, this XSS exploit specifically targets WordPress administrators who have access to the affected plugin’s settings.
4. How can I check if my site is affected?
You can use tools like WPScan or security plugins like Wordfence to detect vulnerabilities in your installed plugins.
5. What are the best practices to prevent XSS attacks?
- Always keep your plugins and themes updated.
- Use strong WordPress security settings.
- Sanitize and validate user input.
- Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to block malicious scripts.
By taking these proactive steps, you can secure your website and prevent future XSS attacks from compromising your WordPress installation.
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