CVE-2024-24930 in Buttons Shortcode and Widget Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 02/12/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in OTWthemes.Com Buttons Shortcode and Widget allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Buttons Shortcode and Widget: from n/a through 1.16.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-24930 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Buttons Shortcode and Widget plugin developed by OTWthemes.Com. This stored cross-site scripting vulnerability occurs during the web page generation process when user input is improperly neutralized, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions of the plugin ranging from the initial release through version 1.16, indicating a prolonged period during which the flaw remained unaddressed and potentially exploitable.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's shortcode and widget functionality. When administrators or users create content using the buttons shortcode or widget features, the system fails to properly sanitize or escape user-provided data before rendering it in HTML output. This improper neutralization creates a persistent XSS vector where malicious scripts can be stored within the application's database and subsequently executed whenever affected pages are rendered for other users. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious payload remains active until explicitly removed, making it particularly dangerous for long-term persistence.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to WordPress installations utilizing the affected plugin. Attackers can leverage this stored XSS to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The impact extends beyond individual user compromise as the vulnerability can be exploited to manipulate content displayed on web pages, potentially affecting the integrity and trustworthiness of the entire website. Additionally, the vulnerability's presence in the shortcode and widget functionality means that even content created by less privileged users could serve as an attack vector, expanding the potential attack surface.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1566 for initial access through malicious content. Organizations using this plugin should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest version where the vulnerability has been patched, implementing proper input validation at the application level, and considering the deployment of web application firewalls to detect and prevent XSS attempts. Furthermore, administrators should review existing content for potential malicious scripts and implement comprehensive monitoring to detect unauthorized modifications to plugin functionality.
Security practitioners should also consider the broader implications of this vulnerability within the WordPress ecosystem, particularly regarding plugin security standards and the importance of regular security audits. The affected plugin's vulnerability highlights the critical need for proper sanitization of user inputs in all web application components, especially those that generate dynamic content. Organizations should establish robust patch management procedures to ensure timely updates of third-party plugins and themes, as well as implement security awareness training for administrators to recognize potential security implications of plugin functionality. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for security-conscious development practices and the importance of maintaining up-to-date security measures to protect against persistent threats in web application environments.