CVE-2024-13644 in DethemeKit for Elementor Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/13/2025
The DethemeKit For Elementor plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the plugin's De Gallery widget in all versions up to, and including, 2.1.8 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user supplied attributes. 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2025
The DethemeKit For Elementor plugin presents a critical stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that affects WordPress environments through its De Gallery widget functionality. This vulnerability exists in all plugin versions up to and including 2.1.8, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by authenticated attackers who possess contributor-level privileges or higher. The flaw stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, specifically targeting user-supplied attributes that are processed through the De Gallery widget interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into the plugin's gallery functionality, which then gets stored within the WordPress database. When other users access pages containing the compromised gallery widget, the injected scripts execute in their browsers, creating a persistent XSS attack vector. This stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious code remains active until manually removed by administrators, potentially affecting multiple users over extended periods. The vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of user input through the De Gallery widget, where attribute values are not properly sanitized before being rendered on web pages.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. Contributors and higher-level users with access to the Elementor page builder interface can leverage this vulnerability to compromise other users' sessions and potentially escalate their privileges within the WordPress environment. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, making it accessible to users who should normally have limited administrative capabilities. This vulnerability undermines the security model of WordPress installations where user roles and permissions are designed to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system functions.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 (Cross-site Scripting) and follows patterns commonly associated with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 (Phishing via Social Media) and T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter). The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and output escaping in web applications, particularly those that handle user-generated content through content management systems. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including plugin updates to versions that address this vulnerability, user role restrictions to limit access to gallery widgets, and regular security audits of third-party plugins. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers and monitoring for unusual script injections can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the persistent risks associated with plugin ecosystems in WordPress installations and the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security practices across all application components.