CVE-2024-56025 Overview
CVE-2024-56025 is a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the AdWork Media EZ Content Locker plugin for WordPress. The flaw stems from improper neutralization of user-supplied input during web page generation [CWE-79]. All versions of the adwork-media-ez-content-locker plugin up to and including 3.0 are affected. An attacker can craft a malicious URL that, when visited by an authenticated user, executes arbitrary JavaScript in the victim's browser session. The vulnerability is network-exploitable, requires no privileges, and depends on user interaction such as clicking a crafted link.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in a victim's browser, potentially leading to session theft, credential harvesting, and unauthorized actions on the affected WordPress site.
Affected Products
- AdWork Media EZ Content Locker WordPress plugin (adwork-media-ez-content-locker)
- All versions up to and including 3.0
- WordPress sites running the vulnerable plugin
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-01-02 - CVE-2024-56025 published to NVD
- 2026-04-23 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-56025
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is a reflected XSS flaw in the AdWork Media EZ Content Locker plugin. The plugin accepts user-controlled input through HTTP request parameters and reflects that input into rendered HTML responses without proper sanitization or output encoding. Because the payload is reflected in a scope that changes (S:C), the injected script can affect resources beyond the vulnerable component's security boundary. The Exploit Prediction Scoring System rates this issue in the lower percentile range, but the attack remains practical against any WordPress administrator or content editor who follows a crafted link.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of input during web page generation, classified under [CWE-79]. The plugin fails to apply context-appropriate escaping functions, such as esc_html(), esc_attr(), or wp_kses(), before reflecting request data into HTML output. As a result, attacker-controlled HTML and JavaScript characters reach the browser unaltered and execute within the trust context of the WordPress site.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires an attacker to deliver a crafted URL to a target user, typically through phishing, social engineering, or a malicious referrer. When the victim visits the link while authenticated to the affected WordPress site, the embedded script executes in the victim's session. The attacker can then steal authentication cookies, perform actions on behalf of the user, modify page content, or pivot to administrative functions if the victim holds elevated privileges. Refer to the Patchstack advisory for additional technical context.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-56025
Indicators of Compromise
- HTTP requests to plugin endpoints containing URL-encoded <script>, onerror=, or javascript: payloads in query parameters
- Web server access logs showing suspicious referrers directing users to plugin URLs with unusual query strings
- Browser console errors or unexpected outbound requests to attacker-controlled domains from pages rendered by the plugin
Detection Strategies
- Inspect web server logs for requests targeting the adwork-media-ez-content-locker plugin path with reflected parameters containing HTML or JavaScript syntax
- Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) ruleset that flags XSS payload patterns in inbound HTTP requests to WordPress endpoints
- Correlate authentication events with anomalous administrative actions that follow user clicks on external links
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable WordPress activity logging to track administrative actions and detect unauthorized changes initiated through hijacked sessions
- Monitor for new or modified WordPress users, plugins, or themes following suspected XSS delivery attempts
- Track outbound DNS and HTTP traffic from administrator workstations for unexpected connections to unknown domains
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-56025
Immediate Actions Required
- Disable or uninstall the AdWork Media EZ Content Locker plugin until a fixed version is confirmed available from the vendor
- Audit WordPress administrator and editor accounts for unauthorized changes, new sessions, or unexpected activity
- Rotate WordPress authentication cookies and require re-authentication for privileged accounts
Patch Information
At the time of publication, no vendor-supplied patch is referenced in the available advisory. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 3.0. Site administrators should monitor the Patchstack advisory for updated remediation guidance and apply any released patch immediately.
Workarounds
- Remove the adwork-media-ez-content-locker plugin from active WordPress installations to eliminate the attack surface
- Implement a Content Security Policy (CSP) header that restricts inline script execution and limits script sources to trusted origins
- Deploy a WAF rule that blocks requests containing common XSS payload signatures targeting the plugin's endpoints
- Train administrators and editors to avoid clicking unverified links while authenticated to the WordPress backend
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
