CVE-2024-52464 Overview
CVE-2024-52464 is a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the amr shortcodes WordPress plugin developed by anmari. The flaw stems from improper neutralization of user-supplied input during web page generation [CWE-79]. The vulnerability affects all versions of the plugin up to and including version 1.7.
An attacker can craft a malicious URL containing JavaScript payloads. When a victim clicks the link, the injected script executes in the victim's browser within the context of the vulnerable WordPress site. The scope change in the CVSS vector indicates the impact extends beyond the vulnerable component.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript in a victim's browser, leading to session hijacking, credential theft, and unauthorized actions performed on behalf of authenticated users.
Affected Products
- anmari amr shortcodes WordPress plugin versions through 1.7
- WordPress sites with the amr-shortcodes plugin installed and active
- All deployments using the vulnerable plugin regardless of WordPress core version
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-12-02 - CVE-2024-52464 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-52464
Vulnerability Analysis
The amr shortcodes plugin fails to sanitize and escape user-controllable input before reflecting it back in HTTP responses. This classification falls under [CWE-79], Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation. The vulnerability requires user interaction, typically by inducing a victim to click a crafted link.
The scope change component indicates that exploitation affects resources beyond the vulnerable plugin itself. Attackers can target authenticated administrators to perform privileged actions, or harvest session cookies from any authenticated visitor. The EPSS score is 0.333%, placing it in the 24.9 percentile for likelihood of exploitation.
Root Cause
The vulnerability originates from the plugin's handling of request parameters that are rendered into the HTML response without proper output encoding. WordPress provides functions such as esc_html(), esc_attr(), and wp_kses() for sanitizing output, but the plugin does not apply these consistently to reflected parameters.
Attack Vector
The attack is network-based and requires user interaction. An attacker constructs a URL pointing to a vulnerable endpoint exposed by the amr-shortcodes plugin, embedding a JavaScript payload in a reflected parameter. The victim must visit the crafted URL through a phishing email, malicious comment, or third-party site. Upon page load, the browser parses and executes the injected script within the trusted origin of the WordPress site. See the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for additional technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-52464
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to WordPress pages containing amr-shortcodes parameters with HTML or JavaScript characters such as <script>, onerror=, or javascript:
- URL-encoded payloads in query strings targeting plugin endpoints (e.g., %3Cscript%3E)
- Unusual referrer headers pointing to external phishing or pastebin domains preceding requests to plugin URLs
- Browser console errors or unexpected outbound requests originating from pages rendered by the plugin
Detection Strategies
- Monitor web server access logs for query strings containing XSS payload patterns targeting amr-shortcodes endpoints
- Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with OWASP Core Rule Set signatures for reflected XSS
- Inspect HTTP responses for unescaped reflection of request parameters in the HTML body
- Correlate WordPress admin session activity with prior suspicious URL clicks to identify potential session hijacking
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging for the WordPress plugin directory and review for anomalous parameter usage
- Configure Content Security Policy (CSP) violation reporting to detect inline script execution attempts
- Track outbound connections from administrator workstations that may indicate cookie exfiltration
- Audit installed WordPress plugins and versions against vulnerability databases on a recurring schedule
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-52464
Immediate Actions Required
- Deactivate and remove the amr shortcodes plugin if a patched version is not available or until a fix is confirmed
- Apply a WAF rule to block requests containing script tags or event handler attributes targeting plugin endpoints
- Force a password reset and session invalidation for all WordPress administrators if exploitation is suspected
- Review WordPress audit logs for unauthorized configuration changes, new user accounts, or modified content
Patch Information
At the time of publication, the vulnerability affects amr shortcodes versions up to and including 1.7. Administrators should consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report and the WordPress plugin repository for the latest version and patch availability. If no fixed version is released, removal of the plugin is the recommended path.
Workarounds
- Restrict access to WordPress pages rendered by the plugin via IP allowlisting where feasible
- Implement a strict Content Security Policy that disallows inline scripts and limits script sources to trusted origins
- Use a virtual patching solution such as Patchstack or a WAF to filter malicious payloads at the network edge
- Train administrators and editors to avoid clicking unverified links pointing to the WordPress site
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
