CVE-2024-12203
No known patch is available for this vulnerability.
The affected plugin has been removed from the WordPress.org directory (reason: Security Issue), and no patched version is being distributed through the official directory. If you have the affected software installed, you should uninstall or replace it rather than wait for an update.
Description
The RSS Icon Widget plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the ‘link_color’ parameter in all versions up to, and including, 5.2 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with administrator-level access, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page. This only affects multi-site installations and installations where unfiltered_html has been disabled.
AI Insight
LLM-synthesized narrative grounded in this CVE's description and references.
Stored XSS in RSS Icon Widget plugin via unsanitized 'link_color' parameter allows admin-level attackers to inject scripts on multi-site or unfiltered_html-disabled WordPress installations.
Vulnerability
The RSS Icon Widget plugin for WordPress versions up to and including 5.2 is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) through the 'link_color' parameter [1][2]. The plugin fails to properly sanitize input and escape output when rendering the widget, allowing arbitrary JavaScript injection. This vulnerability is only exploitable on multi-site installations or installations where the unfiltered_html capability has been disabled for administrators.
Exploitation
An attacker must have administrator-level access to the WordPress admin dashboard. The attacker can navigate to the RSS Icon Widget settings and insert a malicious payload into the 'link_color' field. The payload is stored and will execute in the context of any page that displays the widget.
Impact
Successful exploitation allows the attacker to inject arbitrary web scripts that execute when a user visits an affected page. This can lead to information disclosure, session hijacking, or defacement within the context of the affected site.
Mitigation
The vendor has not released a patched version as of the publication date (2025-01-17) [1][2]. Administrators should disable the plugin or restrict access to sensitive settings. For multi-site installations, ensure that only trusted users have admin-level access and consider enabling unfiltered_html for trusted users if possible.
AI Insight generated on May 23, 2026. Synthesized from this CVE's description and the cited reference URLs; citations are validated against the source bundle.
Affected products
1Patches
0rss-icon-widgetThis plugin has been removed from the WordPress.org directory on 2025-01-16 (reason: Security Issue). No patched version is being distributed through the official directory. Users who have it installed should uninstall it.
Source: api.wordpress.org · directory page
Vulnerability mechanics
AI mechanics synthesis has not run for this CVE yet.
References
3News mentions
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