CVE-2024-49646 Overview
CVE-2024-49646 is a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the ioannup Code Generate code-generator WordPress plugin. The flaw stems from improper neutralization of user-supplied input during web page generation [CWE-79]. All plugin versions up to and including 1.0 are affected. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that execute arbitrary JavaScript in a victim's browser when the link is clicked. Successful exploitation runs script code in the context of the affected WordPress site and can lead to session theft, credential harvesting, or forced administrative actions.
Critical Impact
A network-based attacker can execute arbitrary JavaScript in an authenticated user's browser session, potentially compromising WordPress administrator accounts and the underlying site.
Affected Products
- ioannup Code Generate (code-generator) WordPress plugin
- All versions from n/a through 1.0
- WordPress sites with the plugin installed and active
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-10-29 - CVE-2024-49646 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-49646
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is a reflected XSS flaw classified under [CWE-79], Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation. The Code Generate plugin accepts user-controlled input through HTTP request parameters and reflects that input into rendered HTML output without sufficient sanitization or output encoding.
Because the payload is reflected back in the server response, attackers deliver the exploit through a crafted URL. The CVSS vector indicates user interaction is required, meaning the victim must click a malicious link or visit an attacker-controlled page that triggers the request. The scope is changed, meaning the injected script can affect resources beyond the vulnerable component, such as authenticated WordPress sessions.
Refer to the Patchstack advisory for technical detail on the affected parameter and reflection point.
Root Cause
The plugin fails to apply WordPress sanitization primitives such as sanitize_text_field() on inbound request data and does not apply output escaping functions such as esc_html(), esc_attr(), or esc_url() at rendering time. As a result, HTML and JavaScript characters supplied by an attacker are written verbatim into the response.
Attack Vector
Exploitation occurs over the network without authentication. An attacker crafts a URL containing a JavaScript payload in a vulnerable parameter and delivers it through phishing email, forum posts, or malicious advertisements. When an authenticated WordPress user clicks the link, the injected script runs in their browser under the site's origin. The script can read cookies not marked HttpOnly, submit forged administrative requests, or exfiltrate data from the WordPress dashboard.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-49646
Indicators of Compromise
- Web server access logs containing request parameters with HTML tags such as <script>, <img, onerror=, or onload=
- URL parameters containing URL-encoded payloads such as %3Cscript%3E or javascript: schemes targeting the Code Generate plugin endpoints
- Unexpected outbound requests from browsers viewing plugin-generated pages to attacker-controlled domains
- Newly created WordPress administrator accounts or unexpected changes to user roles following user clicks on external links
Detection Strategies
- Inspect HTTP request logs for reflected script content in query strings targeting the code-generator plugin paths
- Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules that identify common XSS payload patterns and block requests to vulnerable plugin endpoints
- Correlate authenticated WordPress session activity with anomalous DOM events or unexpected AJAX calls originating from plugin pages
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable and centralize WordPress access and error logs for search and alerting
- Monitor for the presence of the code-generator plugin across managed WordPress instances and flag versions less than or equal to 1.0
- Set alerts for WordPress administrator role changes, plugin installations, and new user creation events
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-49646
Immediate Actions Required
- Deactivate and remove the code-generator plugin from all affected WordPress installations until a patched version is available
- Audit WordPress administrator and editor accounts for unauthorized changes made since the plugin was installed
- Rotate WordPress administrator passwords and invalidate active sessions if exploitation is suspected
- Deploy WAF rules that block reflected XSS payloads targeting the plugin's request parameters
Patch Information
No patched version has been published at the time of this writing. The vulnerability affects all versions of Code Generate through 1.0. Monitor the Patchstack advisory and the WordPress plugin repository for updates.
Workarounds
- Uninstall the plugin entirely if the functionality is not business-critical
- Restrict access to WordPress administrative pages using IP allowlists or authentication proxies
- Enforce a strict Content Security Policy (CSP) that disallows inline scripts and untrusted script sources
- Set the HttpOnly and Secure flags on WordPress authentication cookies to reduce session theft impact
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
