CVE-2024-56032 Overview
CVE-2024-56032 is a reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the FolioVision FV Descriptions WordPress plugin. The flaw affects all versions from initial release through 1.4. It stems from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, classified as [CWE-79]. An unauthenticated attacker can craft a malicious URL that, when opened by a victim, executes arbitrary JavaScript in the victim's browser context. Successful exploitation can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, and unauthorized actions performed on behalf of the target user.
Critical Impact
Attackers can execute arbitrary JavaScript in a victim's browser session, potentially compromising WordPress administrator accounts and enabling site takeover.
Affected Products
- FolioVision FV Descriptions WordPress plugin versions up to and including 1.4
- WordPress sites running the fv-descriptions plugin
- Any user session interacting with the vulnerable plugin endpoints
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-01-02 - CVE-2024-56032 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-56032
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability is a reflected XSS flaw located within the FV Descriptions plugin's request handling logic. User-supplied input is reflected back into the HTTP response without proper output encoding or sanitization. When a victim clicks a crafted link containing malicious payload data, the plugin renders the attacker-controlled content directly into the page markup. The browser then parses and executes the injected script within the trust boundary of the WordPress site.
Exploitation requires user interaction, as indicated by the CVSS User Interaction requirement. However, no authentication is needed to launch the attack. The scope change component reflects that injected script executes in the context of the WordPress site domain, giving the attacker access to cookies, session tokens, and DOM content belonging to that origin.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing input validation and output encoding in a plugin endpoint that echoes request parameters into HTML. WordPress escaping functions such as esc_html(), esc_attr(), or wp_kses() were not applied to the reflected value before rendering.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based via a crafted URL. An attacker distributes the malicious link through phishing emails, social media, or malicious advertising. When an authenticated WordPress administrator or editor follows the link, the injected JavaScript executes with the privileges of that session. The vulnerability manifests when the plugin reflects unsanitized query string or form parameters back into the response. Refer to the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for additional technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-56032
Indicators of Compromise
- Web server access logs containing HTML tags, <script> fragments, or javascript: URIs in query parameters targeting fv-descriptions plugin endpoints
- Unexpected outbound requests from browsers to attacker-controlled domains following clicks on WordPress site URLs
- Unauthorized WordPress administrative actions correlating with recent link-click activity by privileged users
Detection Strategies
- Deploy web application firewall rules that identify common XSS payload patterns in requests to WordPress plugin paths
- Inspect HTTP referrer headers and query strings for encoded script tags, event handlers, and payload obfuscation
- Correlate WordPress audit logs with browser telemetry to identify sessions where privileged actions follow suspicious URL access
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging of all requests to /wp-content/plugins/fv-descriptions/ and associated action handlers
- Monitor for administrator account changes, new user creation, and plugin or theme modifications following user link-click activity
- Alert on Content Security Policy (CSP) violation reports originating from WordPress pages
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-56032
Immediate Actions Required
- Update the FV Descriptions plugin to a version above 1.4 as soon as a patched release is available from FolioVision
- If no fix is available, deactivate and remove the fv-descriptions plugin from all WordPress installations
- Force password resets and session invalidation for administrator accounts that may have interacted with suspicious links
Patch Information
No patched version is referenced in the current advisory data. The vulnerability affects FV Descriptions through version 1.4. Administrators should consult the Patchstack Vulnerability Report for updates on remediation availability.
Workarounds
- Deploy a web application firewall with signatures for reflected XSS payloads targeting WordPress plugins
- Implement a strict Content Security Policy header restricting inline script execution and limiting script sources to trusted origins
- Train administrative users to avoid clicking untrusted links, particularly those referencing plugin paths or containing encoded parameters
- Restrict WordPress administrator access to dedicated, hardened browser profiles that do not share sessions with general browsing activity
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
