CVE-2024-10310 in Element Pack Elementor Addons Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/02/2024
The Element Pack Elementor Addons (Header Footer, Template Library, Dynamic Grid & Carousel, Remote Arrows) plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the Custom Gallery Widget 'image_title' parameter in all versions up to, and including, 5.10.1 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Contributor-level access and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-10310 affects the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting the Custom Gallery Widget functionality. This plugin extension enhances WordPress websites with additional design elements and interactive components, making it a popular choice among developers and content creators. The issue manifests within the 'image_title' parameter of the Custom Gallery Widget, where the plugin fails to properly sanitize user input before storing it in the database. This flaw exists across all versions up to and including 5.10.1, representing a significant security risk for WordPress installations that utilize this plugin. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) weaknesses in web applications, making it a critical concern for website security.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a stored XSS attack vector, where authenticated attackers with Contributor-level permissions or higher can inject malicious JavaScript code into the 'image_title' parameter. When this parameter is processed and stored in the database, the malicious code persists and becomes executable whenever any user accesses a page containing the injected content. This type of attack is particularly dangerous because it can affect any user who views the compromised page, including administrators and other privileged users. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms, which are fundamental security practices recommended by the OWASP Top Ten project and the ATT&CK framework under the T1165 technique for credential access through web application vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the WordPress environment. Once an attacker successfully injects malicious code, they can potentially escalate their privileges, steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or even redirect users to malicious websites. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that the attack remains active until the malicious code is manually removed from the database, making it particularly challenging to detect and remediate. This vulnerability affects not only the immediate website but also poses risks to the broader WordPress ecosystem, as compromised sites can become part of botnets or used for further attacks. Organizations using this plugin should consider implementing additional monitoring and security measures to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability allows for persistent malicious activity without requiring repeated injection attempts.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate patching of the Element Pack Elementor Addons plugin to version 5.10.2 or later, where the XSS vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms. System administrators should also implement additional security measures including regular security audits, monitoring for suspicious user activities, and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious injection attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and output escaping as outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding Practices and demonstrates how seemingly minor security flaws can lead to significant compromise of web applications. Organizations should also consider implementing role-based access controls and regular security training for users to minimize the risk of privilege escalation through such vulnerabilities.