CVE-2024-30547: Header Image Slider XSS Vulnerability

CVE-2024-30547 Overview

CVE-2024-30547 is an Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation vulnerability, commonly known as Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), affecting the WordPress Header Image Slider plugin developed by Shazdeh. This DOM-Based XSS vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of a victim's browser session when viewing affected pages.

The vulnerability exists in the header-image-slider plugin and affects all versions from the initial release through version 0.3. DOM-Based XSS occurs when client-side JavaScript processes untrusted data and dynamically updates the DOM without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the victim's browser.

Critical Impact

Successful exploitation could allow attackers to steal session cookies, hijack user accounts, deface websites, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users including WordPress administrators.

Affected Products

• WordPress Header Image Slider plugin version 0.3 and earlier
• WordPress installations using the header-image-slider plugin
• All websites running vulnerable versions of the plugin regardless of WordPress core version

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-01-06 - CVE CVE-2024-30547 published to NVD
• 2026-01-08 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-30547

Vulnerability Analysis

This DOM-Based XSS vulnerability in the Header Image Slider WordPress plugin arises from improper handling of user-controlled input during web page generation. Unlike traditional reflected or stored XSS attacks, DOM-Based XSS occurs entirely on the client side where JavaScript code reads data from an attacker-controllable source and passes it to a dangerous sink that modifies the page content.

The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 (Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation), indicating that the plugin fails to properly sanitize, encode, or validate user input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web page content.

With a network-based attack vector and low attack complexity requiring only user interaction, this vulnerability can be exploited remotely. When a victim visits a maliciously crafted page or clicks a specially crafted link, the injected script executes with the same privileges as the victim user, potentially compromising the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the WordPress site.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is insufficient input validation and output encoding within the Header Image Slider plugin's JavaScript code. The plugin likely processes URL parameters, form inputs, or other user-controllable data and directly incorporates them into the DOM without proper sanitization. This allows attackers to inject malicious script content that the browser interprets and executes as legitimate code.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this DOM-Based XSS vulnerability is network-based, requiring user interaction to trigger. An attacker can craft a malicious URL containing JavaScript payload in parameters that the vulnerable plugin processes. When a victim clicks the link or visits a page where the attacker has manipulated the input sources (such as URL fragments, query parameters, or document properties), the malicious script executes in their browser.

Attack scenarios include:

1. Phishing campaigns distributing links to pages with the vulnerable plugin
2. Embedding malicious URLs in forum posts, comments, or social media
3. Man-in-the-middle attacks injecting malicious parameters into requests
4. Exploiting other vulnerabilities to inject malicious links into legitimate WordPress content

The vulnerability mechanism involves the plugin reading untrusted data from sources like document.location, document.URL, or document.referrer and writing it to the DOM using dangerous methods such as innerHTML, document.write(), or eval(). For detailed technical analysis, refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-30547

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected JavaScript execution or browser behavior when viewing pages with the Header Image Slider plugin
• Suspicious URL parameters containing encoded script tags or JavaScript event handlers
• User reports of unexpected redirects, pop-ups, or credential prompts on plugin pages
• Anomalous entries in web server logs containing XSS payloads in query strings or URL fragments

Detection Strategies

• Deploy Web Application Firewalls (WAF) with rules to detect common XSS payloads in URL parameters and request bodies
• Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict script execution sources and report violations
• Use browser-based XSS auditors and monitoring tools to detect client-side script injection attempts
• Monitor JavaScript console errors and security exceptions that may indicate attempted exploitation

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable WordPress security plugin logging to capture suspicious request patterns
• Configure server access logs to capture full query strings for forensic analysis
• Set up CSP report-uri endpoints to receive notifications of policy violations
• Regularly audit user session activity for signs of session hijacking or unauthorized actions

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-30547

Immediate Actions Required

• Deactivate the Header Image Slider plugin immediately if no patched version is available
• Audit your WordPress site for signs of compromise including unauthorized admin accounts or modified content
• Implement a Web Application Firewall with XSS filtering rules as an interim protection measure
• Review and enforce Content Security Policy headers to limit the impact of potential XSS exploitation

Patch Information

As of the last vulnerability report, the Header Image Slider plugin versions through 0.3 are affected. Site administrators should check for updated versions of the plugin on the WordPress plugin repository or the vendor's official channels. If no patched version is available, consider removing the plugin entirely and replacing it with a maintained alternative.

For the latest patch status and remediation guidance, refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report.

Workarounds

• Disable or remove the Header Image Slider plugin until a security patch is released
• Implement strict Content Security Policy headers to prevent inline script execution
• Use WordPress security plugins that provide virtual patching capabilities for known vulnerabilities
• Restrict access to pages using the vulnerable plugin to authenticated users only if removal is not immediately possible

# Add Content Security Policy headers to Apache configuration
# Add to .htaccess or httpd.conf
Header set Content-Security-Policy "default-src 'self'; script-src 'self'; style-src 'self' 'unsafe-inline'; img-src 'self' data:;"

# For Nginx, add to server block
# add_header Content-Security-Policy "default-src 'self'; script-src 'self'; style-src 'self' 'unsafe-inline'; img-src 'self' data:;";