CVE-2024-25865 in hexo-theme-anzhiyu
Summary
by MITRE • 03/03/2024
Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in hexo-theme-anzhiyu v1.6.12, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the algolia search function.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2025
The CVE-2024-25865 vulnerability represents a critical cross site scripting flaw within the hexo-theme-anzhiyu version 1.6.12 web theme. This vulnerability specifically targets the algolia search functionality, creating a pathway for remote attackers to inject malicious scripts into the web application. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79 which defines improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a classic XSS vulnerability that can be exploited through user-controllable input fields. The issue arises when the search function fails to properly sanitize or encode user-supplied input before rendering it within the web page context, allowing attackers to inject malicious javascript code that executes in the victim's browser.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with the ability to manipulate the web application's behavior and potentially access sensitive user data. When users perform searches through the algolia search function, any malicious input can be stored and executed in the context of other users' browsers, creating a persistent threat vector. This vulnerability can be leveraged to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to malicious websites. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it affects the search functionality which is typically accessed by many users and may not be properly protected by traditional security measures. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require authentication, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can submit search queries to the affected web application.
The security implications of CVE-2024-25865 align with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting web applications through script injection. The vulnerability enables attackers to maintain persistence within the application environment and can be combined with other techniques to escalate privileges or access additional resources. Organizations utilizing hexo-theme-anzhiyu version 1.6.12 should immediately implement mitigations including input validation and output encoding for all search parameters, particularly those related to algolia integration. The recommended approach involves implementing proper sanitization of user input before rendering search results, utilizing Content Security Policy headers to restrict script execution, and updating to the latest version of the theme where this vulnerability has been patched. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual search patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other web application components.
The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in web applications and highlights how seemingly innocuous features like search functionality can become attack vectors. The flaw represents a failure in the principle of least privilege and proper input sanitization, where user-controllable data is directly incorporated into web page content without adequate security measures. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in content management systems where search functions are frequently used and may contain sensitive data or user-generated content that could be exploited through script injection attacks. The patching process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the fix does not introduce regressions in the search functionality while maintaining the security of the overall application.