CVE-2024-52457 Overview
CVE-2024-52457 is a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability [CWE-79] in the Youneeq Recommendations WordPress plugin (youneeq-panel). The flaw affects all plugin versions up to and including 3.0.7. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that, when clicked by an authenticated or unauthenticated user, execute arbitrary JavaScript in the victim's browser session. The scope is changed, meaning the injected script can affect resources beyond the vulnerable component. Exploitation requires user interaction, typically through phishing or social engineering to deliver the malicious link.
Critical Impact
Reflected XSS enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript in a victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized administrative actions on affected WordPress sites.
Affected Products
- Youneeq Recommendations WordPress plugin (youneeq-panel)
- All versions from initial release through 3.0.7
- WordPress sites running the vulnerable plugin
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-12-02 - CVE-2024-52457 published to NVD
- 2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-52457
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of user-supplied input during web page generation. The youneeq-panel plugin reflects request parameters back into HTTP responses without applying sufficient output encoding or input sanitization. An attacker constructs a URL containing JavaScript payloads within vulnerable parameters. When a target user visits the crafted link, the server reflects the payload into the rendered HTML, and the browser executes it within the site's origin.
The issue carries a changed scope, indicating the injected script can affect components beyond the vulnerable plugin. This typically means the payload runs in the broader WordPress context, exposing administrative interfaces, authentication cookies, and session tokens to the attacker.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing or inadequate sanitization of request parameters before they are echoed into the response body. The plugin does not apply functions such as esc_html(), esc_attr(), or wp_kses() to user-controlled values, allowing raw HTML and script content to reach the browser.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based and requires user interaction. An attacker delivers a crafted URL through email, chat, social media, or a malicious referring site. When the victim clicks the link while authenticated to the affected WordPress site, the injected JavaScript executes with the victim's privileges. The vulnerability mechanism is described in the Patchstack Vulnerability Advisory.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-52457
Indicators of Compromise
- Web server access logs containing requests to youneeq-panel endpoints with URL-encoded <script>, onerror=, onload=, or javascript: payloads.
- Outbound HTTP requests from administrator browsers to attacker-controlled domains shortly after clicking external links.
- Unexpected creation of WordPress administrative accounts or modification of plugin settings following a reflected request.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor HTTP request parameters sent to plugin URLs for HTML tags, event handlers, and encoded script content.
- Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) with signatures for reflected XSS targeting WordPress plugins.
- Review browser Content Security Policy (CSP) violation reports for inline script execution attempts on pages served by the plugin.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Alert on WordPress administrator sessions that originate from external referrers containing query strings with script-like characters.
- Track plugin configuration changes and new user registrations in WordPress audit logs.
- Inspect server logs for repeated probing of youneeq-panel parameters with varying payload encodings.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-52457
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all WordPress installations running the Youneeq Recommendations plugin at version 3.0.7 or earlier.
- Deactivate and remove the plugin until a fixed version is confirmed available from the vendor.
- Force password resets and session invalidation for administrative accounts on affected sites.
- Review WordPress user lists and plugin configurations for unauthorized changes.
Patch Information
At the time of publication, no patched version beyond 3.0.7 has been confirmed in the available references. Consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Advisory for the latest remediation status from the vendor.
Workarounds
- Remove or disable the youneeq-panel plugin until the vendor publishes a fix.
- Deploy a WAF rule that blocks requests to plugin endpoints containing HTML tags or JavaScript event handlers in query parameters.
- Enforce a strict Content Security Policy that disallows inline script execution on WordPress sites.
- Train administrators to avoid clicking unsolicited links that target their own WordPress domains.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
