CVE-2024-49700 Overview
CVE-2024-49700 is a reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the ARPrice WordPress plugin developed by reputeinfosystems. The flaw stems from improper neutralization of user-supplied input during web page generation [CWE-79]. An attacker can craft a malicious URL that, when clicked by a victim, executes arbitrary JavaScript in the victim's browser session. The issue affects ARPrice versions up to and including 4.1.3. Exploitation requires user interaction but no authentication, and the impact crosses a security boundary because the injected script executes within the trusted WordPress site context.
Critical Impact
Attackers can hijack administrator sessions, steal cookies, or redirect users to malicious sites through crafted links targeting vulnerable ARPrice installations.
Affected Products
- reputeinfosystems ARPrice plugin for WordPress
- All versions from initial release through 4.1.3
- WordPress sites with the ARPrice pricing table plugin installed and active
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-01-21 - CVE-2024-49700 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-49700
Vulnerability Analysis
The ARPrice plugin fails to sanitize or encode user-controlled input before reflecting it back into HTML responses. When a request parameter containing JavaScript reaches a vulnerable endpoint, the plugin renders that input directly into the response page. Browsers then parse and execute the injected payload in the context of the WordPress origin. The vulnerability is classified under [CWE-79], Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation.
Because the scope is changed in the CVSS vector, code executed via the injected payload operates with the privileges of the victim's session. If a site administrator triggers the payload, the attacker can perform actions such as creating new admin accounts, modifying plugin settings, or injecting persistent backdoors through other administrative interfaces.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing output encoding on a request parameter that flows into HTML output without contextual escaping. The plugin trusts URL or form parameters and writes them into the DOM without applying functions such as esc_html(), esc_attr(), or wp_kses() that WordPress provides for safe rendering.
Attack Vector
The attack is network-based and requires user interaction. An attacker constructs a URL pointing to a vulnerable ARPrice endpoint with a JavaScript payload embedded in a reflected parameter. The attacker delivers the link through phishing email, social media, or a malicious third-party site. When an authenticated WordPress user opens the link, the payload executes in their browser, enabling session theft, CSRF chaining, or arbitrary actions against the WordPress backend.
No public proof-of-concept exploit code has been released for CVE-2024-49700. Technical details are summarized in the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-49700
Indicators of Compromise
- Web server access logs containing requests to ARPrice plugin endpoints with parameters holding <script>, javascript:, onerror=, or URL-encoded equivalents such as %3Cscript%3E.
- Unexpected WordPress administrator accounts or modified plugin settings shortly after suspicious referrer traffic.
- Outbound browser requests from administrator workstations to unfamiliar domains immediately after visiting a WordPress admin page.
Detection Strategies
- Inspect HTTP request parameters reaching /wp-content/plugins/arprice/ paths for HTML control characters and common XSS payload signatures.
- Correlate WordPress audit logs with web access logs to identify administrative actions performed shortly after a reflected parameter request.
- Deploy a web application firewall rule set that flags reflected XSS patterns in query strings and POST bodies targeting WordPress plugin routes.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose access logging on the WordPress reverse proxy and retain logs for forensic review.
- Alert on requests where reflected parameter values contain script tags, event handlers, or encoded JavaScript schemes.
- Monitor for new admin user creation, role changes, and plugin or theme file modifications in WordPress.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-49700
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the ARPrice plugin to a version later than 4.1.3 as soon as the vendor publishes a fixed release.
- If no patched version is available, deactivate and remove the ARPrice plugin from production WordPress installations.
- Force a password reset for all WordPress administrator accounts and invalidate active sessions.
Patch Information
The vulnerability affects ARPrice through version 4.1.3. Administrators should consult the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Report and the vendor's update channel for a fixed release. Apply the update through the WordPress plugin manager and verify the installed version after upgrade.
Workarounds
- Deploy a web application firewall with rules that block reflected XSS payloads in query and form parameters targeting ARPrice endpoints.
- Restrict access to WordPress administrative URLs by IP allowlist where operationally feasible.
- Train administrators to avoid clicking untrusted links to WordPress sites and to use a separate browser profile for admin sessions.
# Example ModSecurity rule to block common reflected XSS payloads on ARPrice paths
SecRule REQUEST_URI "@contains /wp-content/plugins/arprice/" \
"chain,id:1004970,phase:2,deny,status:403,msg:'Possible XSS targeting ARPrice'"
SecRule ARGS "@rx (?i)(<script|onerror=|javascript:|%3Cscript)" "t:none,t:urlDecodeUni"
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
