CVE-2024-56208
Stored XSS in NewsMash ≤1.0.71 Enables Persistent Script Injection
Publication date: 2026-02-20
Last updated on: 2026-02-27
Assigner: Patchstack
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| desertthemes | newsmash | to 1.0.71 (inc) |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| CWE ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-79 | The product does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes user-controllable input before it is placed in output that is used as a web page that is served to other users. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
CVE-2024-56208 is a Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability affecting the WordPress NewsMash Theme versions up to and including 1.0.71.
This vulnerability allows an attacker to inject malicious scripts—such as redirects, advertisements, or other HTML payloads—that execute when site visitors access the compromised pages.
Exploitation requires a privileged user with Contributor or Developer roles to perform an action like clicking a malicious link, visiting a crafted page, or submitting a form to trigger the XSS attack.
The issue falls under the OWASP Top 10 category A3: Injection and was patched in version 1.0.72 of the NewsMash Theme.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
This vulnerability can allow attackers to execute malicious scripts on your website, which may lead to unwanted redirects, display of unauthorized advertisements, or other harmful HTML payloads.
Since exploitation requires interaction by a privileged user, the risk is somewhat limited but still significant if such users are tricked into triggering the attack.
The overall impact is considered low severity with a CVSS score of 6.5, and it is unlikely to be widely exploited.
How does this vulnerability affect compliance with common standards and regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA)?:
I don't know
How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?
This vulnerability is a Stored Cross Site Scripting (XSS) issue in the NewsMash WordPress theme up to version 1.0.71. Detection involves identifying if your system is running a vulnerable version of the NewsMash theme and monitoring for suspicious user interactions that could trigger the XSS.
Since the vulnerability requires a privileged user (Contributor or Developer) to perform actions like clicking malicious links or submitting crafted forms, detection can include reviewing user activity logs for unusual behavior and scanning web pages generated by the theme for injected malicious scripts.
Specific commands are not provided in the available resources, but general steps include:
- Check the installed version of the NewsMash theme to confirm if it is version 1.0.71 or earlier.
- Use web vulnerability scanners or manual inspection tools to detect XSS payloads in web pages generated by the theme.
- Review server and application logs for suspicious requests or user actions that could trigger the vulnerability.
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
The primary and immediate mitigation step is to update the NewsMash WordPress theme to version 1.0.72 or later, where this vulnerability has been patched.
Additionally, consider limiting the number of users with Contributor or Developer roles who can perform actions that might trigger the XSS vulnerability.
Implement security best practices such as input validation, output encoding, and monitoring for suspicious activity to reduce the risk of exploitation.