CVE-2024-8981
CVE-2024-8981 is a high-severity vulnerability with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-80.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.1)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (36th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- EU (EUVD) id: EUVD-2024-49521
- Weakness: CWE-80
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
The Broken Link Checker plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting due to the use of add_query_arg in /app/admin-notices/features/class-view.php without appropriate escaping on the URL in all versions up to, and including, 2.4.0. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that execute if they can successfully trick a user into performing an action such as clicking on a link.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2024-8981?
- The Broken Link Checker plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting due to the use of add_query_arg in /app/admin-notices/features/class-view.php without appropriate escaping on the URL in all versions up to, and including, 2.4.0. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that execute if they can successfully trick a user into performing an action such as clicking on a link.
- How severe is CVE-2024-8981?
- CVE-2024-8981 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.1, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is low, integrity low, and availability low.
- Is CVE-2024-8981 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (36th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- How do I fix CVE-2024-8981?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- Does CVE-2024-8981 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
- Yes. CVE-2024-8981 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2024-49521.
- When was CVE-2024-8981 published?
- CVE-2024-8981 was published on 2024-10-01 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/broken-link-checker/tags/2.4.0/app/admin-notices/features/class-view.php#L43
- https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3159860/broken-link-checker/trunk/app/admin-notices/features/class-view.php
- https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/429fe34a-5fa9-4032-9b21-4de114dbc9d1?source=cve
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