CVE-2024-0977 in Timeline Widget for Elementor Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/07/2024
The Timeline Widget For Elementor (Elementor Timeline, Vertical & Horizontal Timeline) plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via image URLs in the plugin's timeline widget in all versions up to, and including, 1.5.3 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user supplied attributes. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with contributor-level and above permissions to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page, changes the slideshow type, and then changes it back to an image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2026
The Timeline Widget For Elementor plugin presents a critical stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that affects WordPress environments using versions up to and including 1.5.3. This vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's timeline widget functionality where user-supplied image URLs are not properly sanitized or escaped before being stored and subsequently rendered in web pages. The flaw exists within the plugin's handling of user attributes, creating an opportunity for malicious code injection that can persist across multiple page views and user interactions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only contributor-level permissions or higher, making it accessible to users who typically have limited administrative capabilities but can still cause significant harm within a compromised WordPress environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of image URL attributes within the timeline widget configuration. When authenticated attackers with contributor privileges or higher provide malicious input through these fields, the plugin fails to adequately sanitize the input before storing it in the database. This stored malicious content then executes whenever users access pages containing the affected timeline widget, particularly during slideshow transitions where the image handling logic is triggered. The vulnerability is classified as a stored XSS attack under CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it leverages legitimate plugin functionality while remaining undetected by standard security monitoring systems that might overlook the benign appearance of image URL fields.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious domains. Attackers can craft malicious image URLs that contain JavaScript payloads which execute in the context of the victim's browser when they interact with timeline widgets. The vulnerability's persistence is enhanced by the fact that the malicious content remains stored in the WordPress database and continues to affect users until manually removed or the plugin is updated. This creates a significant risk for organizations where contributor-level accounts might be compromised or where users with these permissions have access to sensitive areas of the website. The vulnerability also affects the plugin's slideshow functionality, making it possible for attackers to target users during normal browsing activities when they change slideshow types and return to image views, creating multiple attack surfaces within a single plugin component.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from WordPress administrators who should upgrade to the latest version of the Timeline Widget For Elementor plugin where the XSS sanitization issues have been addressed. The fix typically involves implementing proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms for all user-supplied attributes, particularly those related to image URLs and widget configurations. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as restricting contributor-level permissions to prevent unauthorized modifications to plugin settings, deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious script injection attempts, and conducting regular security audits of WordPress installations to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins. According to ATT&CK framework category T1566, this vulnerability represents a technique for Initial Access through the exploitation of web application vulnerabilities, while the persistent nature of the stored XSS attack aligns with T1587 for developing capabilities and T1071 for application layer protocols. Regular monitoring of WordPress plugin repositories and maintaining updated security practices will help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future, as this issue demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization in web application development.