CVE-2024-11367 in Smoove Connector for Elementor Forms Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/07/2024
The Smoove connector for Elementor forms plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting due to the use of add_query_arg without appropriate escaping on the URL in all versions up to, and including, 4.1.0. 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-11367 affects the Smoove connector for Elementor forms plugin, which is widely used within the WordPress ecosystem for creating and managing form submissions. This plugin serves as a bridge between Elementor page builder and various third-party services, facilitating seamless form integrations. The flaw exists in versions up to and including 4.1.0, making a significant portion of installations potentially susceptible to attack. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of URL parameters within the plugin's codebase, specifically when utilizing the add_query_arg function without adequate output escaping mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through reflected cross-site scripting attacks where malicious scripts are injected into URLs and subsequently executed in the victim's browser. When the plugin processes user-supplied input through URL parameters, it fails to properly sanitize or escape these values before incorporating them into the page output. This creates a scenario where an attacker can craft a malicious URL containing script code that gets reflected back to the user's browser when the page loads. The CWE-79 identifier applies here as this represents a classic reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability where the malicious payload is reflected off the web server rather than being stored. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication from the attacker, making it an unauthenticated XSS vector that can be exploited through social engineering tactics.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious websites. Attackers can craft payloads that steal cookies, modify page content, or redirect users to phishing sites that appear legitimate. The attack vector typically involves tricking users into clicking on malicious links, which can be delivered through various channels including email, social media, or compromised websites. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for credential access through spearphishing attachments or links, and T1584.002 for infrastructure preparation through the use of vulnerable web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the escaping issue, as this represents the most effective defense mechanism. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output escaping practices, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before being processed or displayed. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers, though they should not be considered a substitute for proper code-level fixes. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their WordPress installations to identify other potentially affected plugins and themes. The remediation process should include implementing proper CSP headers to limit script execution, establishing monitoring for suspicious URL patterns, and conducting regular security audits of all web applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in the future.