CVE-2024-0979: CWE-79 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') in specialk Dashboard Widgets Suite
The Dashboard Widgets Suite plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting via the 'tab' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 3.4.3 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. 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.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2024-0979 is a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability in the WordPress Dashboard Widgets Suite plugin affecting versions up to 3.4.3. The issue is due to improper neutralization of input in the 'tab' parameter, allowing unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of a victim's browser when they interact with a crafted link. This vulnerability can lead to partial confidentiality and integrity impacts but does not affect availability. The CVSS 3.1 vector indicates network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction required, and scope changed.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation can lead to execution of arbitrary scripts in the context of the victim's browser, potentially allowing theft of sensitive information or manipulation of the user interface. The confidentiality and integrity impacts are rated as low, with no impact on availability. Since the attack requires user interaction (clicking a malicious link), exploitation is limited to social engineering scenarios. No known exploits in the wild have been reported at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, users should consider disabling or removing the Dashboard Widgets Suite plugin if feasible. Additionally, applying web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block malicious input in the 'tab' parameter may help mitigate exploitation. Monitor vendor channels for updates and apply patches promptly once released.
CVE-2024-0979: CWE-79 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') in specialk Dashboard Widgets Suite
Description
The Dashboard Widgets Suite plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting via the 'tab' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 3.4.3 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. 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.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
CVE-2024-0979 is a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability in the WordPress Dashboard Widgets Suite plugin affecting versions up to 3.4.3. The issue is due to improper neutralization of input in the 'tab' parameter, allowing unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of a victim's browser when they interact with a crafted link. This vulnerability can lead to partial confidentiality and integrity impacts but does not affect availability. The CVSS 3.1 vector indicates network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction required, and scope changed.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation can lead to execution of arbitrary scripts in the context of the victim's browser, potentially allowing theft of sensitive information or manipulation of the user interface. The confidentiality and integrity impacts are rated as low, with no impact on availability. Since the attack requires user interaction (clicking a malicious link), exploitation is limited to social engineering scenarios. No known exploits in the wild have been reported at this time.
Mitigation Recommendations
Patch status is not yet confirmed — check the vendor advisory for current remediation guidance. Until an official fix is available, users should consider disabling or removing the Dashboard Widgets Suite plugin if feasible. Additionally, applying web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block malicious input in the 'tab' parameter may help mitigate exploitation. Monitor vendor channels for updates and apply patches promptly once released.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- Wordfence
- Date Reserved
- 2024-01-26T22:19:24.614Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 699f6de9b7ef31ef0b590915
Added to database: 2/25/2026, 9:47:21 PM
Last enriched: 4/9/2026, 5:42:31 AM
Last updated: 4/11/2026, 4:54:09 PM
Views: 13
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