CVE-2024-2136 in WPKoi Templates for Elementor Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/07/2024
The WPKoi Templates for Elementor plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the Advanced Heading widget in all versions up to, and including, 2.5.6 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-2136 affects the WPKoi Templates for Elementor plugin, a popular WordPress plugin that extends the functionality of the Elementor page builder. This plugin enables users to create and manage various template elements including advanced heading widgets that enhance the visual presentation of web content. The security flaw exists within the plugin's handling of user inputs through the Advanced Heading widget functionality, specifically in how the plugin processes and renders user-provided data without adequate sanitization measures. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects all versions up to and including 2.5.6, indicating a widespread exposure across multiple plugin releases.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's codebase. When authenticated users with contributor-level access or higher submit content through the Advanced Heading widget, the plugin fails to properly validate or sanitize the input data before storing it in the database. This allows malicious users to inject malicious scripts that are then stored and executed whenever the affected page is accessed by any user. The flaw constitutes a classic stored cross-site scripting vulnerability where the malicious payload persists in the server's database rather than being reflected in a single request. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79 as "Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')", which specifically addresses the failure to properly sanitize user inputs before they are rendered in web pages.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts in the context of affected websites. Since contributors and above have the capability to inject malicious code, any website utilizing this plugin becomes vulnerable to persistent script injection attacks. When legitimate users access pages containing the injected scripts, the malicious code executes in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, defacement of website content, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability's persistence means that even after the initial injection, the malicious code continues to execute for any user who accesses the compromised pages, making it particularly dangerous for websites with high traffic or sensitive user data. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for "Phishing with Malicious Attachments" and T1566.002 for "Phishing with Malicious Links" as it enables attackers to establish persistent malicious presence through legitimate user interactions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-2136 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the sanitization and escaping issues. System administrators should ensure that all users with contributor-level access or higher are properly vetted and monitored, as this privilege level is sufficient to exploit the vulnerability. Additionally, implementing content security policies and input validation at multiple layers can provide defense-in-depth measures against similar vulnerabilities. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes should be conducted to identify and remediate similar sanitization issues. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and output escaping as fundamental security practices that align with the OWASP Top Ten security risks and should be implemented across all web application development processes to prevent such persistent cross-site scripting vulnerabilities from compromising user security.