CVE-2024-37236 Overview
CVE-2024-37236 is a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability [CWE-352] affecting the Loco Translate plugin for WordPress developed by Tim W. The flaw impacts all versions of loco-translate up to and including 2.6.9. An attacker can trick an authenticated user into submitting a forged request that performs unintended state-changing actions within the plugin. Exploitation requires user interaction, such as clicking a crafted link while authenticated to the target WordPress site. The vulnerability affects data integrity but does not directly expose sensitive data or impact availability.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation allows attackers to perform unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated WordPress users, potentially modifying translation files managed by the plugin.
Affected Products
- Tim W Loco Translate plugin for WordPress
- All versions from initial release through 2.6.9
- WordPress installations with the vulnerable loco-translate plugin active
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-01-02 - CVE-2024-37236 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-37236
Vulnerability Analysis
The Loco Translate plugin fails to properly validate the origin of state-changing HTTP requests. WordPress plugins typically enforce request authenticity using nonces generated with wp_create_nonce() and validated using check_admin_referer() or wp_verify_nonce(). When these validations are missing or improperly implemented, attackers can craft requests that browsers automatically authenticate using the victim's existing session cookies.
The issue is exploitable over the network and requires user interaction. An attacker must convince an authenticated WordPress user, typically an administrator or translator, to visit a malicious page or click a crafted link. The impact is limited to integrity changes within the plugin's scope.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or insufficient CSRF token validation on one or more request handlers within the loco-translate plugin. Without a valid nonce check, the plugin trusts any authenticated request regardless of its origin. This violates the WordPress security model, which mandates nonce verification for administrative actions.
Attack Vector
Exploitation follows the standard CSRF pattern. The attacker hosts a page containing an auto-submitting form or crafted request targeting a vulnerable Loco Translate endpoint. When a logged-in WordPress user visits the malicious page, the browser sends the request along with session cookies. The plugin processes the request as legitimate and performs the requested action.
Technical details are documented in the Patchstack Vulnerability Analysis.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-37236
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected modifications to translation files (.po, .mo, .pot) managed by Loco Translate
- WordPress admin activity logs showing plugin actions initiated from external Referer headers
- HTTP POST requests to loco-translate endpoints lacking valid _wpnonce parameters
Detection Strategies
- Review WordPress access logs for requests to /wp-admin/admin.php?page=loco-* originating from unexpected referrers
- Enable WordPress audit logging plugins to track file modifications and configuration changes made through Loco Translate
- Monitor for outbound requests from admin sessions to unfamiliar external domains that could host CSRF payloads
Monitoring Recommendations
- Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to inspect Referer and Origin headers on WordPress admin endpoints
- Alert on plugin file changes outside of scheduled update windows
- Track WordPress user sessions with concurrent activity across multiple browser tabs, a common indicator of CSRF exploitation attempts
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-37236
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the Loco Translate plugin to a version newer than 2.6.9 as soon as the vendor publishes a fixed release
- Audit WordPress user accounts and remove unnecessary administrative privileges to reduce the impact of successful CSRF attacks
- Instruct administrators to log out of WordPress sessions when not actively managing the site
Patch Information
The vulnerability affects Loco Translate versions through 2.6.9. Site administrators should consult the Patchstack advisory for the latest patched version and apply it through the WordPress plugin update mechanism.
Workarounds
- Deactivate the Loco Translate plugin until a patched version is installed if translation management is not actively required
- Restrict access to /wp-admin/ using IP allowlisting at the web server or WAF layer
- Enforce the use of browser session isolation for administrative WordPress accounts to reduce cross-site request risk
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
